Can I get some tips on cleaning the engine, especially 32013 model 5.0.

Thanks

 

I would cover all electronics & electrical components with plastic to prevent water getting in, I use apc and various brushes. Do not use a pressure washer.

 

I don't rinse at all anymore because I just don't want to take the risk of fawking somethng up.
First I use compressed air to remove as much dust as I can, especially from hard to access areas.
Then I soak a large rag in water and spray some detailer and some 303 on it, and go over everything by hand, then follow up with a dry rag. I get my engine bay looking new with this method. Of course, I never let my engine get extremely dirty to begin with so I have great results doing this and it doesn't take that long.

 

nothing wrong with a pressure washer...i use on all day everyday at work...no problems...dont use a steam cleaner though

 

On my ranger I washed the engine several times a year and always made sure to cover up all the critical parts... I still managed to fubar my crankshaft position sensor which I discovered when I started getting an intermittent no-start problem. Realized the part has been exposed to that rinse water for years and eventually it couldn't take it anymore. Now I'm paranoid and I only clean the engine bay with the method in my previous post.

 

What the difference between wrapping up all the electrical parts to clean the engine if the engine gets wet in the rain with all that dirt and crap from underneath?

 

While most of the underhood components are "splash resistant" they're not necessarily going to stand up to a stream of water. Most of the time you won't have any problems, but once you do you could end up very much regretting it.

As opposed to plastic, I use aluminum foil to cover the alternator and other electrical "stuff". It forms and holds quicker than trying to use plastic and tape, rubber bands, etc. It keeps out most of the water and if anything gets through it's drops - not a steady stream. I then use a degreaser with brushes and foam sticks to get all the nooks.

Rinsing is done with a hose, not a spray nozzle. Then I use a leaf blower and/or air compressor (at a low delivery) to dry the engine bay completely. Let it stand for about an hour and blow off again.

Once completely dry I use DP trim detailer and let that dry at least overnight. Great results.

http://www.autogeek.net/dp-trim-detailer-spray.html

 

What parts are you supposed to cover to make sure you cover all the major components?

 

For what its worth..every car/truck ive ever owned..including the 5.0...i take it to the local wash and power wash under the hood maybe twice a year.
Never had an issue with moisture

 

Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it may or may not muck some electrical component. It's your dime, for my dime no pressure.