Mojave Engine Compartment mess after Riding in Dirt

[joeym7]

Hello Folks, yesterday I went out with 4 other jeeps (all wrangles X-me) from the Local Jeep Club. Only 2 of us were shorties (as they call us: Not-Lifted). It was the roughest and wettest terrain I encountered since starting this gig in February...But it was a lot of fun and that is the main reason I got my Mojave - so no regrets.

So I need some advise on how to clean up the water breaching my engine compartment, obviously it came through the hood scoop from water splashing on to the hood (as can be seen by the concentrated mess on the spongy blank thing attached to the bottom of the hood) (please see 2 pictures attached)...I am 99% certain no material amount got into the air filter, I only see a spot or two of stain in the opening. After I left the dirt I got on a highway and drove 70+ miles per hour and she sounded and ran good as always.

2 Questions Please:
1) Is there a way for me to clean the black spongy thing myself at home? Will it come off and will I be able to put it back up in its spot after I hose it off and let it dry? Or do I need to have the dealer replace it?
2) Is it OK to use soap and water on the engine and then hose it off with a light spray (making sure not to get water in the intake? (I have never had to clean an engine before).

Thanks in Advance,
-Joe

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[NachoRuby]

Just hose it down. It'll happen every time you take it off road. It's pretty hard to get water in that intake. Don't use a pressure washer, per the owners manual, but you can use a hose. It might be a good idea to cover up the alternator. I used Gunk foaming engine cleaner the last time, and it worked well.

 

[joeym7]

Just hose it down. It'll happen every time you take it off road. It's pretty hard to get water in that intake. Don't use a pressure washer, per the owners manual, but you can use a hose. It might be a good idea to cover up the alternator. I used Gunk foaming engine cleaner the last time, and it worked well.

Thanks Nacho, what about the the black foamy thing attached to the under-bottom of the hood? Do you just hose it down too?

 

[NachoRuby]

Thanks Nacho, what about the the black foamy thing attached to the under-bottom of the hood? Do you just hose it down too?

Yep. Simple green works really well on that piece.

 

[Jaxmax]

Hood scoop is not functional unless you opened end of it up, that is just splash from engine hitting under hood…..Jack

 

[joeym7]

Hood scoop is not functional unless you opened end of it up, that is just splash from engine hitting under hood…..Jack

OK thanks, the dirt was concentrated under the scoop so it gave me the wrong impression. I was wondering if it would block air into the compartment - but it obviously not. lol

Well glad to see I didn't "break" anything, just add to the cleanup.

Thanks Guys!

 

[Jaxmax]

Glad ya had a good time that is what is important! I am planning on opening my hood scoop using some parts from the 392 Wrangler hood intake system, just spent a chunk of change and just dropped a bunch on a front winch and mount……Jack

 

[Orange01z28]

You'd faint if you saw my engine compartment

 

[FloridaMan655321]

Search Chris Fix Engine Clean on YouTube If you are unsure what is safe to hose down or whatever. Mine was at least that bad and I just wipe it down with a towel each time I wash the truck, eventually it’s gotten somewhat ‘clean’. I should probably give it a proper detail one of these days…

 

[joeym7]

You'd faint if you saw my engine compartment

You don't bother cleaning it at all?

 

[gouacats]

You don't bother cleaning it at all?

I'm with @Orange01z28 - Mine is always dirty and I've never cleaned any engine compartment in my life.

 

[JeepTaco]

Just hose it down. It'll happen every time you take it off road. It's pretty hard to get water in that intake. Don't use a pressure washer, per the owners manual, but you can use a hose. It might be a good idea to cover up the alternator. I used Gunk foaming engine cleaner the last time, and it worked well.

Agree with all NachoRuby posted.

I've also used turtle wax foaming tire shine and it works great especially on black plastics.

If you really want to get into most crevices, get some detailing brushes.

Edited to correct spelling.

 

[Dougstdig]

OK thanks, the dirt was concentrated under the scoop so it gave me the wrong impression. I was wondering if it would block air into the compartment - but it obviously not. lol

Well glad to see I didn't "break" anything, just add to the cleanup.

Thanks Guys!

Looks to me like you’re cooling fan whipped it up which is right underneath where you’re pho intake is.

Also, when you drive fast through water holes, creeks etc it definitely will go where you don’t want it. While it looks fun, enjoy other folks doing it.

 

[Orange01z28]

You don't bother cleaning it at all?

No, not once

I've blown the dust off with some compressed air but I live in AZ and offroad fairly often. Its a losing battle

 

[joeym7]

Yep. Simple green works really well on that piece.

Did you use their "all purpose" or "degreaser" for this job?

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