Cleaning 5th Gen 4Runner Engine Bay With Powersports Cleaner

On our recent trip to Blue lakes, we experience some sudden rain and hail. What we didn’t account for was massive mud puddles at the end of the trail. On our trip through Forestdale Rd and Forestdale Divide, it was business as usual; rocks, humps, dips, and switchbacks. Coming down the hill towards Red Lake, we encountered some 40’+ long mud puddles.

There was no way we could have gone around them, so we drove into them head-on. Looking back it probably wasn’t the smartest idea. But, when you’re in the 4Runner, it’s pretty hard not to smash through mud puddles when you see one.

As you can see “Puddle Smashing” is never a great idea and let this be a lesson. Don’t ever go from revving up your engine to going through puddles of freezing cold water. If you do this, you’re gonna have a bad time. If you are going to mash through some puddles, make sure you take it slow through some puddles first and also, don’t go through 3′ deep puddles at 30+ MPH.

Find it online: 

• Simple Green or OHV Cleaner: Check Price
• Muc Off Moto Cleaner: Check Price
• Generac Pressure Washer (Don’t skimp on pressure): Check Price
• Microfiber Towels (everyone needs micro’s): Check Price
• Plastic Cleaner (Motul Kicks Ass): Check Price

Puddle Smashing

With all this being said, we were blasting through some puddles some 10+ years later and only got the engine swamped with muddy water. I will take this over a blown engine any day of the week. Also, I was super cautious as you can assume to literally test the waters first. I drove through each puddle first to make sure there were no dips or random rocks that would throw me or the 4Runner off.

Cleaning the Engine

Tools Needed for Cleaning your 5th Gen

If you want to keep your 4Runner clean, you need the right tools for the job. Below are the items we use after a trips, vacations and 4×4 adventures. You will save money overtime if you care for your 4Runner yourself. Car wahshes are overpriced and most of the time, people never clean your car like you would.

There are a few ways to go about cleaning your Engine after taking your 4Runner off-road or through some muddy puddles. Even if you are not going straight through massive muddy puddles, your Engine Bay gets dirty fast when you go off-road. Having the necessary tools to keep your 4Runner clean is KEY!

1. Soak Entire Engine Bay

Whatever Simple Green does, it works wonders. Start by soaking your engine bay with Simple Green or OHV cleaner (Powersports Cleaner – Grease & Grime Remover). The Powersports Cleaner is even more effective, but Simple Green still does a great job.

Once you’ve soaked the entire engine, including cables and the battery, let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes. Since we have the 4Runner TRD Intake installed, access around the engine bay is easier. Be sure to remove the engine cover and clean it separately. Avoid letting the solution sit too long, as overspray can cause water spots or streaks on your 4Runner’s grill.

2. Pressure Wash Engine Bay

After letting the Simple Green or OHV cleaner work, use a pressure washer to rinse it off. Start by washing the grill area from the front to avoid overspray onto the plastic bumper. Once the surface area is mostly clean, go deeper and focus on the engine block. Depending on how clean it is after the first wash, you may need to repeat the process.

Next, get underneath your 4Runner and use the pressure washer to clean as high as possible from both sides. Switch back and forth to remove dirt, grime, and debris. Finally, rinse the top of the engine bay again to clear any debris that was pushed up from underneath.

3. Wipe Down the Outside

After you have washed away all Simple Green/OHV cleaner residue, shut your hood. Wipe down any excess residue that has been shot all over your 4Runner.

Failure to do so will result in water spots, marks, and streaks from the Simple Green. If you forget to do this, you are going to have a bad time. You want plenty of Microfiber Towels, so make sure you have a stack on standby. We picked up a pack of 24 for $10, they are super cheap.

The first step is to clean your grill and then the rest of your 4Runner from overspray. You want plenty of Microfiber Towels, so make sure you have a stack on standby. We picked up a pack of 24 for $10, they are super cheap.

4. Plastic Parts Cleaner

Having a plastic cleaner on hand is incredibly important when you are cleaning your engine. Simple Green and OHV cleaner are great for engine parts but not so much for plastic. Any of your plastic parts on your front bumper or inside your engine bay should be treated with some type of plastic cleaner. If you do not use plastic cleaner, you will have streaks and water spots on your plastic.