Hello everyone,

I have an 06 Xterra and I just recently went offroading after xmas for the first time (IT WAS FABULOUS), but of course now, the engine and everything under the hood is pretty dirty (muddy). What's the best way in cleaning this or should I just go to the dealer and get it detailed and cleaned? Thanks!

you can AIM at awkwardakademiks too. this would help tremendously because I am going on vacation for 3 weeks on monday and want to have it clean by then.

I would personally hose off the engine with simple green or purple power but never do it when the engine is hot or you risk cracking the exhaust manifolds when hit with cold water.

Then run it through a quality car wash with a good under body rinse or do it yourself at a coin operated place.

thanks man imma try it out tomorrow and let you know

Give it a good does of whatever you use and let it soak in good!

so to be more clear. I can just spray some of the simple green onto the engine and stuff? (should i dilute it?) no scrubbing? etc?

No, just spray it on there and let it soak in. Then rinse it off. Then check for any places where it didn't come off. Then a little elbow grease is in order. Check the bottle though as it may not hurt to hose it down first then spray it with the good stuff.

alright sounds good.. im just going to use a regular water hose from my house. Is there any areas to watch out for (water sensitive)?

You're X is new enough not to worry. On the gen 1's I would say to go easy on the distributor but you don't have that issue. Just no need to hit anything with an electrical connector too hard.

alright man. THANKS for all the help. i'll take some before and after pics and show you the results

No Problem and pics are always awesome!!!

i wash my engine bay after every oil change, sometimes i spray the engine with belt dressing or a silicone spray as well. makes it look shiny, and helps cleaning it off next time.

simple green worked well. Here are some pics

BEFORE
http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1928/196/85/6001261/n6001261_40843821_5791.jpg

http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1928/196/85/6001261/n6001261_40843822_9463.jpg

AFTER
http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1928/196/85/6001261/n6001261_40843823_9751.jpg

Wow....day and night there! Good job!!!

Nice, Looks new!!!

it worked perfectly. thanks dez

Looks good!