99SR5

iTrader: (1)

just double checking... should i keep the engine running at normal idle temperature or turn it off and let it cool off

fireteacher

always do it with a cool engine. cover the altenator with foil or something and make sure all connections are tight so no water gets into anything...

99SR5

iTrader: (1)

cool thanks.

SSG Yota

just a reminder. Let the engine cool down to the touch. then coer up the electrical(alt, batt, etc) and spray the engine bay with a citrus cleaner. Let he cleaner soak in and begin with some not so high pressure and work your way up to a medium pressure. DOn't want to go high pressure to be on the safe side.

Elton

i like to use plastic shopping bags and when useing the power washer use a sweeping motion

99SR5

iTrader: (1)

i just power washed it down... i didnt cover anything up or anything and its fine

Elton

i would drive it for awhile to make sure its dryed out

fireteacher

awesome~ ask for advise and not use it! hope nothing is to happen in the future with your electrical system!

dz

and you think it doesn't all get wet when you drive in the rain?

nobody in the truck shop at work (that I'm aware of) ever covers anything up when they steam clean engines, and I've never heard of any problems even attributable to that.

fireteacher

unfortunately i have a hood! so rain stays off the top of the motor where most of the electrical components are at and the skid plate keeps alot of the puddle water out as well so i must disagree there. maybe its a bit over kill BUT i would love the fact knowing i am doing all i can to protect my electricalsys. (covering the alt is all i really do)

DavidA

I have been using powerwashers on my 4Runner engines for 18+ years with no problems. I have had three 4Runners and almost every time I wash the truck I wash the engine with it running until it is dry.

Think this over...why can you buy a snorkel for the engine if it can't handle getting wet?

Swissdrums

I just shove a towel in the intake hole cover the distributor, spray it good with degreaser and then pulsate a power washer...i dont worry about cracking the engine block because the water is not so cold, as soon as it gets near the block it heats up so as far as letting the engin cool down - i wouldnt worry...

Its good to have you back Chris!
-Mike

fireteacher

well i use soap and and some sort of degreaser when i "wash" my engine and even the cleaning solvents say cover this and that SO i will leave it at that.
if your only washing it with water then i prob wouldnt cover anything up either BUT if your like any normal person your using some sort of cleaning product so do as you wish! I will continue to cover at least the alternator cause the stuff i use smells so harsh i could only imagine it does if it soaks in there.

Swissdrums

I was agreeing w/ you slightly...i cover up too, just to be safe

fireteacher

i should have quoted, i was referring to Davida..sorry.

Swissdrums

cool cool