Has anyone here ever did a DIY engine bay cleaning on your 4GTL? There is not. single video on all of youtube where someone with a 4GTL has cleaned their engine bay. That was alarming to me. And even on this site, There's such varying advice on this and yet again, NO ONE IN THE 4GTL forum seems to touch on the topic (at least what I was able to find by searching terms relavent to this.) . Im aware you cant flood it, or use high pressure blah blah blah....The pressure washer I have is more like atomized mist, not pressure. I plan to use that. I plan to use GRIOTS GARAGE PRODUCTS. My main concerns are:

• Can I clean the areas NOT covered by our engine cover (i mean the plastic pieces that cover the battery, fluids and such) with Rubber Approved Degreaser or engine cleaner.
• What exactly needs to be covered so it doesn't get soaked?
• Does it matter if the drive belt gets moist with a rubber safe cleaner?
• Can the battery get wet or not? I see some cover it, some don't.
• Im aware the alternator should not get wet because they usually have a pretty open case.
• The wire connectors....are those moisture safe? You know the connectors throughout the engine bay..case they get wet at all?

IM excited so I plan to keep an eye on this thread for about 24 hours hoping by tomorrow morning I can start the process on a cold engine.
Thank you guys in advance.

I dream about cleaning my engine. I cant take it anymore...I have purchased Griot's Garage Engine dressing. It's a aerosol mist that puts a light, dry to the touch coating to keep clean.
I have attached and called out with red boxes on the image attached areas of concern....


An image of the 4G TL 3.7 Engine.

 

Use logic - stay clear of any electrical exposed cabling (battery terminals) and belts - I wouldn't use a pressure washer
I usually clean my engine bay with a microfiber rag, simple green and a bucket of water to rinse the rag - good luck!

 

So I used a garden hose and shot everything lightly. Then shot it with a shit ton of degreaser. Then used multiple brushes to clean and hoses again. Used a leaf blower to dry then put a ratio of 1/4 Chemical Guys VRP in a spray bottle shot and wiped!! It looks great still!

 

Who knew steam cleaning an engine would be so fast and so darn effective! The engine and all the crevices, hoses, books and crannies are amazingly clean. He let me watch also. It was fun to see that big steam hose penetrate the dirt and grime. It was like car porn. Hahahah.
afterwards I finished it off with Griots garage engine Bay detailer. It looks fantastic. I pride myself that every time my car is serviced they always compliment me on how well maintained the car is from the wheels to under the hood. Yup - I’m obsessed.

 

I have been using spray and wash for years. All my motors look brand new. I just spray it all over the engine and rinse with a garden hose. Even has a nice smell once I’m finished.

 

The way I did was with a Degreaser and a microfiber cloth. Then topped it off with a plastic restorer. Now it looks showroom clean.