Tried using the search function to answer my question but out of the 100 threads my query provided, not one came close to telling me what I'd like to know. Soooooo......

Where I live, my truck gets very dirty/dusty just sitting under the carport. That's easy to fix, just a quick wash. My question involves the engine and engine compartment - there's enough dirt/dust in there that I could start growing corn. I've always washed that compartment at the spray car wash, leaving the engine running, and never had a problem. However, with all the electronics on vehicles today, I'm concerned that might not be a good idea anymore. Any suggestions/tips on keeping the engine and its compartment clean? Thanks.......

 

You're on the right track, but because of! all the electronics, connections and digital numbers crunching devices onboad vehicles today, the design of connectors has improved. The only thing I'd change in your routine is the amount of pressure you're using. Simply switch to a lower pressure; all you want to do is rinse away the topsoil. ...and if you have any oil weeping somewhere, then a second rinse after a little Simple Green or any mild degreaser of your choice.

 

It's in the manual.

 

 

The author is fscking irritating... but he does a good job going through the steps: Definitely don't use anything high-pressure, and be careful around connectors.

 

"all of these electronics" have been under the hood for decades. Washing the engine bay isn't a big deal and there is no new techniques for doing it. Just don't spray high pressure streams directly at the electrical connectors. Wet it down, spray everything with Simple Green, let it soak for a few minutes, rinse it off. Any tough spots left can be handled with a another spray of Simple Green, a quick brushing and another rinse. It's a 5 minute job.

 

uh...sensitive electronics were mentioned as a concern and ford actually has approved cleaning products for the engine bay. So after reading the manual if there are still questions, ask.

 

OP here. Thanks for all the remarks. I appreciate the tip to read the manual and I have; however, I've always been under the impression that the engine should be running while washing it. The manual specifically states the engine should be off. Just one of the reasons I wanted to see what other were doing and how it worked out for them. Think I'll try todd92's recommendation and use the the old Simple Green method. Cheers.

 

 

The lawyers don't want us to have anything to do with a running vehicle.

I drive through heavy rain, shallow standing water at a good clip, etc... and the engine is running. Of course, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.