How To Clean Your Ford Explorer’s Engine

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: July 30, 2023

The engine of the Ford Explorer is the mechanical heartbeat dictating acceleration, speed, and the driving experience. Preserving the engine's health through consistent maintenance is the key to its longevity and reducing potential complications.

As part of everyday usage, the engine progressively collects dirt; dust and grime cling to it, and traces of spilled lubricants, coolant, or other impurities may show up in unexpected spots.

Such accumulations aren't just detrimental to the engine's aesthetic, transforming it from a clean powerhouse to a dirt-encrusted unit, they can also impact its performance. 

For instance, an engine encased in layers of dirt is more susceptible to overheating as the process of heat dispersion is compromised. Plus, when the engine is in a dirty state, it becomes challenging to identify external indications of malfunctions like a fresh oil leak or a crack.

Thus, caring for your Ford Explorer should be comprehensive: it involves the exterior (vehicle's body) as well as the interior (cabin, engine bay, etc.).

Cleaning the engine of your Ford Explorer at least once every few years is recommended. However, the frequency of engine cleanups should be increased if you reside in an environment constantly bombarded by dust, dirt, and sand.

CAUTION / TAKE NOTE:

Cleaning the Ford Explorer's engine is a multifaceted process with numerous considerations. Disregarding the prescribed cleaning steps could result in complete engine breakdown or costly repairs.

Hence, while this guide provides a detailed walk-through of the cleaning procedure, it doesn't rule out the possibility of user errors.

For additional assistance or if you prefer a hands-off approach, it is always recommended to entrust this task to professionals who can execute it efficiently and safely.

Is it necessary to wash the Ford Explorer's engine?

First-time Ford Explorer owners frequently question the need for engine washing. Opinions on this topic vary among drivers.

The accumulation of grime and dust can compromise the engine's efficiency, leading to the following problems:

• deterioration of heat transfer;
• loss of power;
• increased fuel consumption;
• risk of spontaneous combustion.

Given these potential hazards, the importance of engine washing becomes evident. There isn't a set schedule for this task.

The frequency depends on factors such as how intensively you drive your vehicle and its specific design features. Washing the engine becomes essential in certain circumstances:

• extreme engine contamination due to malfunctioning pipes, seals, or similar components;
• identifying the source of fluid leaks;
• preparing the car for extensive repair or sale.

What do you need to clean your Ford Explorer's engine?

Prior to initiating the engine cleaning process, remember that it demands a responsible, patient, and attentive approach. Also, ensure that you have all necessary supplies handy, which include:

• Electrical contact cleaner;
• Brush;
• Cloth(s);
• WD-40;
• Hose or high-pressure washer;
• Car wash soap or degreaser;
• Plastic bags;
• Duct tape;
• Hose for air compression.

How to clean your Ford Explorer engine?

The optimal conditions for washing your engine are when the weather is mild, not too hot, and free from rain or wind. The best period to clean the engine is post-winter, when grime has accumulated on and beneath the engine.

Warm up your engine

Before you begin, a mild engine warm-up is beneficial as it eases the removal of dirt.

Important: Don't wash the engine when it's at its working temperature - around 100 degrees - as it's too high. Splashing cold water onto a hot surface could damage the engine or its components.

Avoid washing the engine if you've recently completed a long journey in your Explorer. Allow it to cool down for approximately ninety minutes.

Ideally, start the engine when it's "cold", let it warm to 60-65 degrees, switch it off, and leave it for 15 minutes. This way, your Ford Explorer's engine will attain an optimal temperature for cleaning.

Disconnect the negative battery terminal

Start off by disconnecting the negative terminal from your vehicle's battery. This step will de-energize the car's entire electrical system, preventing any short circuits in case water makes contact with electrical components.

It's advisable to fully remove the battery from the car once both terminals are disconnected. 

If you run into any complications where disconnecting the negative terminal isn't straightforward due to design elements in newer models, make it a priority to disconnect the negative terminal.

Manually remove large debris from the engine compartment

Under the hood, considerable dirt and debris such as leaves, grass, or tree fluff, can accumulate. Prior to initiating the cleaning process, it's crucial to eliminate these contaminants. Often, they collect in small crevices of the engine bay or may be located closer to the interior. It's important to thoroughly inspect these areas and remove any dirt.

Cover up all electronic contacts

Electronic devices, sensors, and wires are highly vulnerable to water. Despite the system being de-energized during washing, water can still cause damage.

Without proper precautions, contacts may oxidize, and electrical equipment could malfunction. The worst part is that oxidation can occur gradually, only manifesting after the reaction has occurred. Your car may fail to start unexpectedly, leaving you puzzled as to the cause.

Prior to washing the engine, it's vital to safeguard every electrical contact under the hood that could get wet, including:

• Sensors (warranting extra attention);
• Wires;
• Headlight contacts;
• Under-hood fuse block;
• Any visible electronic contacts under the hood.

Two reliable methods to protect these contacts include:

• Application of a special spray to shield contacts from moisture;
• Wrapping contacts with plastic bags or film secured with duct tape to prevent water exposure.

Using both methods is recommended. Firstly, apply a protective spray, which forms a thin layer, "preserving the contact" and blocking water penetration. Following that, wrap these contacts in plastic bags and seal them tightly. Insulation tape works well for this purpose, ensuring the cover doesn't loosen.
 

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Utilize a plastic bag and duct tape to cover the fuse block. Ensure that all contacts are properly secured. If you need further guidance, refer to your Ford Explorer's wiring diagram.

You should also isolate other vehicle parts to avoid water infiltration. Check for any gaps in the air intake system through which water could potentially enter.

If your vehicle is carbureted, cover it with a bag to prevent water intrusion - water entering the power system could cause engine dysfunction.

Apply the degreaser or car shampoo to your Ford Explorer engine surface

Apply your chosen cleaning agent to the engine surface. Ensure that every area is covered in cleaning shampoo or degreaser. However, there's no need to go overboard with the amount you use.

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Let cleaners perform their task

Once the cleaners are applied to the engine surface, let them interact with the dirt and contaminants and do their thing. Allow this to work for about 3-6 minutes.

Proceed to manual engine cleaning

After letting the cleaning agents sit for a while, it's time to proceed with manual cleaning. Depending on the type and level of grime, grab a brush or rag, and start cleaning your Ford Explorer's engine.

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Exercise caution and attentiveness to avoid causing any damage. Also, remember that the exhaust manifold can still be hot, so be mindful not to burn yourself.

If you encounter stubborn contamination, don't hesitate to use WD-40. This versatile product can effectively remove rust and ingrained dirt. Simply apply WD-40 to the contaminated area, let it work for a bit, and then start scrubbing.

Rinse your Ford Explorer's engine

Once you've completed the manual cleaning process, you can proceed to the final stage - rinsing the engine with water.

When doing this, aim to use the lowest possible water pressure (if using a high-pressure washer), to avoid causing any damage to the engine bay.

Be thorough but gentle in your rinsing, to ensure all the chemicals are fully removed. Do not let any cleaning agents remain on the engine surface as they could lead to staining.

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Blow out all electrical contacts with compressed air

No matter how well you've protected your engine's electronics from water, no method is 100% foolproof.

To safeguard the contacts from corrosion and avoid potential issues, it's recommended to blow them out with compressed air after removing their protective coverings. This will ensure any water droplets that made it to the contacts are blown away.

Dry the engine and its components thoroughly

Once the washing process is done, make sure to thoroughly dry the engine using paper towels or dry rags.

Make sure to wipe every nook and cranny within the engine compartment. If water has reached any electrical contacts, dry them off.

Now, you can remove the protective plastic bags and duct tape. Carry out a thorough inspection of the engine bay to ensure it's completely dry and clean.

After reconnecting the battery terminals, fire up your Ford Explorer to verify everything is working as it should.

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Can I clean the Ford Explorer engine at a car wash?

Many Ford owners, particularly those new to the brand, often have concerns about washing their vehicles at a car wash. The potent combination of high-pressure water and chemicals is great for the body and other parts where there's no risk of dislodging contacts, hoses, or blocking technical holes and crevices.

However, for the area under the hood, this method may seem ineffective or even potentially damaging. The challenge lies in effectively cleaning hard-to-reach places without causing short circuits, flooding the air filter, or dislodging sensors and nozzles.

In reality, it might prove tricky to clean your Ford Explorer engine at a self-service car wash, where you typically have only one cleaning tool at your disposal.

Professional detailing centers, on the other hand, offer specialized services targeting thorough or surface-level cleaning of the space under the hood. But complexities arise here too, as the quality of the cleaning heavily depends on the technology, equipment, and chemicals used.

Options for washing Ford Explorer's engine at a car wash

The options outlined below for washing the engine at a car wash might differ in terms of how each company labels them, but the end results should be similar:

Surface wash. This method is akin to a typical car wash. The mechanic lifts the hood, applies a foam solution to the area, and then rinses it off with water according to the prescribed procedure. This process primarily achieves an exterior level of cleanliness.

Thorough washing. This option distinguishes itself with its lengthy prep time and high-quality cleaning. The service cost may equal or even surpass that of a body wash.

All surfaces are meticulously cleaned, and grime is removed from hard-to-reach areas, sometimes manually, using sponges, rags, and brushes.

Any components that might interfere with the process are dismantled beforehand. By the end, the engine compartment is restored to a factory-clean state.

To Sum Everything Up

While engine washing might seem unimportant, it's actually vital. Eliminating any dirt, dust, grease, and debris from the engine surface and its components is a key aspect of maintaining your Ford Explorer in top condition.

Prior to any washing procedures, it's crucial to secure any delicate components, such as wiring, contacts, and the fuse box, to prevent water and chemicals from causing damage. 

Proper and diligent engine bay cleaning procedures contribute to better cooling, help prevent component corrosion, and ensure that everything under the hood is effectively cleaned and kept in prime condition. This boosts the longevity and optimal performance of your Ford Explorer.