Engine Bay Cleaning (4.6) ?????

SallieJane96 · Mar 2, 2009

I just read a post about guys cleaning their 5.0s. What about the 4.6? is it about the same? I'm afraid because i've heard some horror stories about the intake cracking when guys were trying to clean the engine bays. Any one who has experince let me know because mine needs it really bad. I mean really bad... Thanks.

joekd · Mar 2, 2009

As long as you dont spray the engine with cold water while it is boiling hot you will be fine

Also I always use a fan spray pattern so the stream isn't hitting too hard on a single spot, I also would not use a pressure washer on the motor, just a regular hose

greenscobie86 · Mar 5, 2009

Yup. You don't want water in the spark plug holes... That will cause all kinds of misfire issues...

On a 4.6 you really have to be much more careful than a 5.0...

bigjohnson4.6gt · Mar 5, 2009

with all the plastic parts i use armor-all spray on microfibers to keep it fresh, then just a clean rag ill clean all the metal parts. If you want to clean the whole bay i suggest simple green and wash it all down, remember to cover the plugs and coils though. Most people use simple green, i use citrus cleaner (i found it takes more grease and grim off then simple green)

SallieJane96 · Mar 6, 2009

how did you cover the plugs? did you just cover the whole valve cover in plastic or something? sorry for stupid questions but i've never done this before and i don't want to screw anything up.

bigjohnson4.6gt · Mar 6, 2009

yup, you could cover them either in rags or a plastic sheeting over it just as long as it doesnt seep in

D3VST8R96GT · Mar 13, 2009

i sprayed mine down when i first got it....all my warning lights came on hahahahahaha they eventually went away last time i do that

wytstang · Mar 14, 2009

You don't have to cover the spark plugs just the coils and fuse box and alt. Spark plugs get wet all the time when it rains, as long as the wires are properly seated with some dielectric grease you should be fine. Let it sit for a while with the hood open (or just cracked) so the water can evaporate quickly.