New member here; Question on cleaning engine

[Rob13]

Hello all! Just bought a 07 mustang that looks like new. Obvioulsy the engine was cleaned as it looks brand new. It has 27,000 miles on it and my question is what is the best way to keep it clean? Also, what if any thing do I need to be careful of if spraying the engine with water? BTW, it'sa V-6.
Thanks for any help! Rob

[mike05gt]

I use simple green, can be found at any auto parts store.

Stay away from the fuse box and you should be ok.

[Jack65K]

I also use Simple Green and spray it on a rag to clean around areas you might not want to get wet.
Jack

[carlite65]

I use simple green, can be found at any auto parts store.

Stay away from the fuse box and you should be ok.

+1 for the SG. it can be used anywhere if mixed properly. i also lightly rinse then blow dry with an air hose being mindful of tags & stickers.

[1200bruce]

Welcome to the board!

[Rob13]

I use simple green, can be found at any auto parts store.

Stay away from the fuse box and you should be ok.

I hope to learn a lot here and maybe I can be helpful as well!!!

[cnghubbard]

Be careful about washing engine compartment too often. The Ford-engineered coating on the aluminum components will not standup under harsh chemicals (like engine cleaners - no sure about 'Simple Green' or the like). Corroded aluminum parts is one of the most common detractors to a spiffy engine compartment that I see a MCA shows. I have not found anything that will return aluminum components to the original look, if the factory coating is compromised.

I would recommend 'Dawn' dish soap and bristle brush. On restoring my car, I varied the concentration of Dawn and water according the amount of oil grease to be removed (on heavy, old encrustations, straight Dawn worked almost a well as petroleum-based solvents and did not affect the factory coatings or environment).

Once the engine and engine compartment was clean, I have been using Meguiar's Quick Detailer for maintenance in an ongoing manner. It handles dust, water marks and most bugs.

[FastDad]

Be careful about washing engine compartment too often. The Ford-engineered coating on the aluminum components will not standup under harsh chemicals (like engine cleaners - no sure about 'Simple Green' or the like). Corroded aluminum parts is one of the most common detractors to a spiffy engine compartment that I see a MCA shows....

I wish they would have put a "Ford-Engineered Coating" on the aluminum block and heads on my 2007 GT's engine. Unless oxidation is a Ford Engineered Coating.....