Newbie Diseal Question

[Mansker]

Hello TBN Members!
I have my first Diesel tractor ( NH TC 33D ) I got it used with 400 hrs. on it and it is pretty dirty under the hood. My question is can I use a high pressure sprayer to clean off the engine? Do I have to cover anything like on a gas engine? Altenator, starter motor ? can I use gunk ?

 

[RonR]

I have power washed mine. I just don't focus a lot of water like on the alternator/starter/air intake, etc.

Oh, BTW, it's diesel (sorry, it's an affliction)

Enjoy your clean tractor. We wax ours!

Ron

 

[Mansker]

sorry! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I changed it in the text but can't figure out how to change it in the subject.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I like the orange based cleaners, they do a great job and are very safe. I would sure try something like that before blasting with a power washer.

 

[Inspector507]

The title of the post can no longer be changed.

 

[RalphVa]

I wash all my vehicle and tractor engines with a hose sprayer. After wetting, squirt some Simple Green, Purple Solution or Orange Solution on any heavy grease spots. Wash off with hose a few minutes later.

A long time ago, before these modern solutions were available, I'd wet with a hose, sprinkle Tide clothes wash powders over the greasy stuff, let sit and then wash off with a hose later on. Soaking and cleaning with kerosene before spraying also works. Carb cleaner cleans stuff really well, but can take paint off.

The main thing you have to watch in using a water hose is where your brake fluid vent holes are. Almost anything else can be wetted down, including alternator and wiring stuff. Just don't shoot hose spray really hard onto some of the computer wiring stuff. Occasionally, you might have to remove a distributor cap and dry it out with a paper towel. Of course, with a tractor, you don't have to worry about the brake fluid vent nor the distributor cap (if diesel). Clean, wet stuff won't conduct electricity much. Wet, dirty stuff will.

Ralph

 

[Inspector507]

Be careful with the radiator and a high pressure sprayer, don't want to bend the fins out of shape.

 

[btolle]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Soaking and cleaning with kerosene before spraying also works. Carb cleaner cleans stuff really well, but can take paint off.

Ralph )</font>

My auto mechanic taught me to use "Brake Parts Cleaner". Same price as carburetor cleaner, takes oil and grease off just about as well as carburetor cleaner, but won't take the paint off.

Bill Tolle