Cleaning the engine

[Caluch]

I would like to make sure my engine gets cleaned occasionally as a routine maintenance action. Are there any suggestions, ideas, warnings that you all may have ? Is this a bad idea? What are your experiences. Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated....

[Chickadee]

Caluch:

Yeah,....have wondered the same thing. Don't know for sure, but I've supposed that a diesel shop could steam clean it for ya. We'd kinda like to have ours cleaned periodically also and would really like to be able to do it ourselves, but not sure it's advisable.

Hope someone has some good feedback.

Steve & Lynette

[GaryKD]

Hi Caluch,
Unless there is a really bad fluid leak that covered the engine, I'm not sure why cleaning the engine needs to be done. I've never done it and don't know of anyone who has. Unless done correctly, there may be harm done to the electrical components and connections.

For me, this isn't even on my list of things to do.

["007"]

A DP may have more dirt because of size and possible oil venting but my gas has never had it done on any of my coach's.
Have never thought about it either, must like the dirt it has, has never complained.
Couldn't ask for a better combination 8.1 & Allison.

[neilking]

The engine gets very dirty when I drive down dirt roads. I just spray it down with a water hose.

[Harm]

I spray the whole engine compartment with a 50/50 Simple Green solution and hose it off 2 or 3 times a year and never had a problem.

[ottffss]

I've asked at a handful of Cummins dealers and got the same response --> no worries.

Cummins uses weatherpack electrical connectors on everything and as long as you keep away from the obvious (like alternator, starter, fragile radiator and the like) they say go ahead and knock your socks off... Or they'll be happy to do it for a small fee.

I personally avoid flowing a Niagra Falls on the engine opting to spray some gunk on the heavy stuff, some Simple Green (or equiv) on the rest and doing a light engine rinse. Really, I am aiming to clean the road salts/slime from the compartment itself and whatever rinses off on the engine is enough to make it sparkle.

Cleaning the cooling package IS a maintenance item that is worthwhile. I use a rubber tipped air nozzle and blow from the inside out. You'll be floored at the billows of dust you create cleaning that crud out of the cooling package. I don't think I'd use a steam or pressure washer directly on the cooling package.

[Caluch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottffss I've asked at a handful of Cummins dealers and got the same response --> no worries. Cummins uses weatherpack electrical connectors on everything and as long as you keep away from the obvious (like alternator, starter, fragile radiator and the like) they say go ahead and knock your socks off... Or they'll be happy to do it for a small fee. I personally avoid flowing a Niagra Falls on the engine opting to spray some gunk on the heavy stuff, some Simple Green (or equiv) on the rest and doing a light engine rinse. Really, I am aiming to clean the road salts/slime from the compartment itself and whatever rinses off on the engine is enough to make it sparkle. Cleaning the cooling package IS a maintenance item that is worthwhile. I use a rubber tipped air nozzle and blow from the inside out. You'll be floored at the billows of dust you create cleaning that crud out of the cooling package. I don't think I'd use a steam or pressure washer directly on the cooling package.

Good Info... I too have several cummins folks tell me " no problem" just avoid the obvious (starter, alternator, etc. Don't flood it.... just rinse it.

[Snomas1]

50/50 simple green works well and just spray off with water!!!

[Bama Rver]

Here's a good detailing step by step. Engine Detailing, car engine cleaning, engine cleaner, engine detailing how to, how to clean an engine,

[Chuck 1935]

I have been cleaning engines, dirt bikes, and anything that is greasy with paint thinner. I have a siphon spray gun for my compressor and buy the thinner in 5gal pails. Unlke water, it will evaporate and not leave any moisture behind to form rust. I spray it on my Diesel Pusher radiator to flush away all the oily mist that gets on the fins. After it dries on the driveway all that is left is dirt that can be swept up or hosed away.