Date:         Wed, 7 May 2003 12:11:58 -0400
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: Cleaning the engine bay...
Comments: To: Al Ferguson <al_ferguson01@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20030507055618.87334.qmail@web14906.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=X-UNKNOWN

On Tue, 6 May 2003, Al Ferguson wrote:

> Anything, like vulnerable wiring/connections/computers
> that I should avoid? Their location in the engine
> bay…?

The most important thing (and something I didn't think of 'till it was too
late) is to protect the interior of the van.  Unlike your other cars, when
you start spraying high-pressure water around the engine bay of a Vanagon
you're basically spraying it *inside* the van!  So put up a tarp or
something behind the rear seat to catch all the nasty oily droplets that
are going to be flying around.

Hit all the really grungy greasy spots with something like Gunk degreaser
and let it sit a minute or two before you spray it off.  Does an amazing
job.  I cleaned up a *very* oily diesel this way.

It's a good idea to try to avoid spraying directly onto the distributor or
other electrical parts.  Carry a can of WD-40 so you can clean the
moisture out of the inside of the distributor cap if it does get wet.


David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si