How to Clean the Engine of a 1988 Mustang

The 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with many sensors and components under the hood that can be damaged while cleaning the engine if some precautions aren't followed. Ignition and charging systems are especially vulnerable to damage caused by harsh degreasers, water and overly aggressive cleaning habits. However, with a little caution and the proper techniques, the average Mustang enthusiast came successfully clean his engine without damage to expensive sensors and components in just a couple of hours.

• 1

  Start the engine and allow it to run until it reaches normal operating temperature on the temperature gauge. On the 1988 Mustang normal temperature is typically when the gauge needle reaches the "R" in the word "NORMAL" printed on the gauge face. Turn off the engine.

• 2

  Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 13 mm wrench to loosen the cable end bolt before twisting the cable end off the terminal. In the 1988 Mustang the battery is located in the driver's side front of the engine compartment.

• 3

  Cover the distributor and the alternator completely with aluminum foil to prevent water under pressure from entering these components. The distributor is equipped with a rubber cover over the distributor cap and spark plug wires but this isn't sufficient to prevent damage to the ignition module bolted to the side of the distributor.

• 4

  Spray engine degreaser on the hot engine outward from the top center of the engine until the engine is completely covered in degreaser. Loosen oily buildup with a small scrub brush and reapply degreaser on stubborn areas.

• 5

  Allow the degreaser to soak into and loosen dirt and grime for about five minutes. Rinse the engine off by gently running water from a water hose over the engine working from the top center outward as before. Avoid getting the alternator and distributor wet and avoid using a high pressure spray from a nozzle. Repeat as needed to remove all dirt and grease.

• 6

  Allow the engine to dry. Remove the aluminum foil from the distributor and alternator. Spray rubber protectant on the radiator hoses and other plastic or rubber parts to protect them from drying out and cracking.