hcfarm

hey folks, new guy here..
thanks for your patience. I live off the main drag on 5 miles of dirt road, when it rains it is a muddy mess, when it is dry it is a dust bowl with sand like the beach...

my question is how do I properly clean the engine off without causing any damage to any electrical or other components?

thanks for advice!
jon

salimshah

Low pressure compressed air is the safest.

Salim

Lexmex

Quite true

Just before I left Mexico, there was a guy we allowed to advertise at my track that actually did steam cleaning of engines. I have actually washed my truck a few times and this was one such case, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=241019

entryspeed

iTrader: (3)

auto dealers often steam clean but i would protect your alternator, coils, etc from the water by bagging them atleast. GL

hcfarm

lexmex, great thread on the wash, thanks! I can tackle this with a little more confidence..

jon

icantsee

Lexmex...

Thank you very much for that Tread on...

Washing The RX300's Private Parts
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=241019

The guys over at T4R.ORG do the same.

I've yet to try it, I'm still paranoid.

lexus114

Lex,after you washed the engine off real good,did you re-spray any silicone on the throttle cable/butterfly linkage? Or do you leave that untouched so it doesn`t attract dirt?

Lexmex

Never had an issue there, no rust or anything.

lexus114

The reason I ask is because I notice slightly smoother pedal operation when I lube the throttle linkage w/silicone spray.

salimshah

The whole affair is much easier if you consistently keep the engine clean. If you let grime build up, then you need more aggressive cleaning (steam, soap, degreaser etc). Washing with water typically leaves spots (may be the problem here is with the city water), but a wipe down is impossible in the engine bay (unless you have slender hands or weak eyesight). In any case all of these, even high pressure air can cause problems, so do it with care.

Engine detailing dressing (or even wd-40 soaked rag) can increase the contrast and make things look good, I dread the after-effects. Has any one used any product which never became a dust magnet? Please share.

I reach out for my leaf blower and that does the trick for me.

Salim

dpayne

Simple Green, diluted a bit with water and a hose-end sprayer works fine for me, and has for years. I've NEVER had any electrical problems, but I do start the car and help expedite the drying more quickly. Wash it often.

There is a lubricant on the market, used on aircraft, and it is "greasless" so as to not attract dust. It can be bought at some of the commercial industry places, and seems like it is LP-1 or something similiar.

David

Lil4X

Roger Penske once noted for his immaculate race cars explained why he put so much effort into keeping the engine and underhood components spotlessly clean. The idea was that his mechanics could spot leaks, wear areas, and even cracked or broken components more easily. The idea was to spot and take care of a small problem before it becomes a big one. Makes sense to me - and it seems to work for him. It's difficult to argue with his cars' record for reliability.

habeeb89

iTrader: (3)

If your second guessing doing it at home, take the car to a local detailer, I had mine cleaned for $30 and they did a great job!

carguy07

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx

gazi001

Hi,
Lexmex has great ideas for bath the RX 300. What was the green stuff he sprayed on the engine before sparying the water? Please let me know what i could use in NYC, any soap or engine degresser.