Engne cleaning question

[zookeeper]

I've decided to tackle my intake and valve cover problem on my '88 GT, both of which have been leaking oil. But before I pull it in the garage to take it apart, I want to clean it as much as possible. My plan is to use a few cans of good foaming degreaser and hose it off. But I want to know what I should protect from getting wet. Is there anything that I should absolutely keep dry? Is so what is it and where is it located? Thanks in advance!

 

[jrichker]

Have a can of WD40 handy to spray down the inside and outside of the distributor cap when you finish. Wipe them down with paper towels when you are done. Try not to get the TPS sensor on top of the throttle body too wet. A piece of duct take can be used to cover it.

The valve cover gaskets come in two types: cork and rubber. The best gaskets are the rubber ones with a steel bushing in each bolt hole. They will prevent the gasket from squishing out when you tighten down the valve cover bolts.

 

[dgollem]

Try Purple Power from Wal Mart or the auto parts stores. Works better for me that the degreasers. You can help it along with good brushing, stiff round brush or cut down a paint brush. Can hit it several times, spray it, let it soak, brush, repeat. Garden hose pressure works, pressure washer works better but can easily get into the electronic stuff so you have be more careful. The garden hose can be more forgiving. Keep away from the distributor and alternator you can duct tape a plastic bag over the dizzy cap if it makes you feel safer. Good Luck