1991 - Clean the engine compartment?

[Greg F.]

My father just purchased a 91 Convertible. The engine compartment needs cleaned. I don't have any experience with this generation, but I'm sure there are components that need to be covered. Can someone give any tips on 'Do's and Don'ts'.

My thought was to lightly mist the engine with water, then lightly clean it with diluted simple green.

Thoughts and help?

Thanks,
Greg

[Tom H.]

Re: 1991 - Clean the engine compartment?

I'd say your plan is good. Just avoid the blasting the obvious items like the wire connections, etc. Start up and let it run when you are done to cook the excess water out.

Just a garden hose, try not to use a pressure washer.

[Pete B.]

Re: 1991 - Clean the engine compartment?

Greg,

As you know you need to be real careful here. I use a combination of simple green and/or oil eater both available at the big box stores. I do it slow and methodically left top intake, right, top front engine, lower front and so forth. I have a lot of toothbrushes, and q tips available. I make it a project over several days otherwise I get ansy and start cutting corners. My anal-ness has me taking taking the belt and some front brackets off so i can get in more and more nooks and crannies. The lower front can get particularly dirty because the steering rack may leak. I rinse each section via 2 methods if there is no electrical around, a hose turned real low flow. Other areas spray bottles, towels and maybe a blast of air. Go slow take your time and you will get rewarding results!
Dont forget to rinse underneath real well...then your onto another project and it goes on and on and on!