Engine detail & diesel additives

[M931A1]

Ok, if we ever see the sun in NH, I'm going to give my very dusty and dirty Prado a wash and detail. I've detail many engines in the past, but never ones with a top mounted intercooler.
Should I cover the Intercooler with a plastic bag before washing the engine?

Also, I've used various diesel fuel additives in my engines over the years. My go-to is PRI-D Fuel Treatment.

Do you all pre-treat your fuel at every fill-up, if so what do you use?

Thanks!

 

[Gertvr]

Diesel Treatment: Primrose Power-Master 405C

 

[KiwiBogan]

Regarding the intercooler, it is ok to wash that is it is a sealed unit however maybe check first that there is no oil residue underneath the intercooler or around the intercooler pipes because that might suggest a leak which water can get into. But generally speaking, you are ok to give the engine a gentle blast with the pressure washer. I've never had any problems doing so.

With the diesel additive, I tried a product called FTC Decarbonizer FTC Diesel Decarbonizer - https://costeffective.com.au/product/ftc-decarbonizer/ but didn't notice any real improvement vs cost factor. So I'm not using anything ATM. Maybe depends on how reliable your fuel source is? I generally fill up at a very busy BP so like to assume the fuel is fresh and of good quality. Filling up in the outback though, God only knows what's in the fuel!

 

[M931A1]

Diesel Treatment: Primrose Power-Master 405C

Thanks!

 

[M931A1]

Regarding the intercooler, it is ok to wash that is it is a sealed unit however maybe check first that there is no oil residue underneath the intercooler or around the intercooler pipes because that might suggest a leak which water can get into. But generally speaking, you are ok to give the engine a gentle blast with the pressure washer. I've never had any problems doing so.

With the diesel additive, I tried a product called FTC Decarbonizer FTC Diesel Decarbonizer - https://costeffective.com.au/product/ftc-decarbonizer/ but didn't notice a huge improvement vs cost factor. So I'm not using anything ATM. Maybe depends on how reliable your fuel source is? I generally fill up at a very busy BP so like to assume the fuel is fresh and of good quality. Filling up in the outback though, God only knows what's in the fuel!

KB, thanks again for the detailed response. You are a great resource here! Hope to do my oil/filter, then the engine detail on Friday. One last question for now... I was out with the truck this morning and noticed some of my HVAC buttons (AC & MODE) had to be pressed firmly to respond. It seems that this is a common problem. Is there a fix or is it just wear & tear? Boy I wish I had a Owner's Manual!!

 

[KiwiBogan]

KB, thanks again for the detailed response. You are a great resource here! Hope to do my oil/filter, then the engine detail on Friday. One last question for now... I was out with the truck this morning and noticed some of my HVAC buttons (AC & MODE) had to be pressed firmly to respond. It seems that this is a common problem. Is there a fix or is it just wear & tear? Boy I wish I had a Owner's Manual!!

View attachment 3575662

You're welcome mate. No idea with those buttons. If they're just a basic toggle on/off switch, I doubt they would just become faulty. Theirs a two wire plug that sits on top of the AC compressor unit in the engine bay that can become unplugged but still look like its plugged in. Maybe check that to see if it needs to be pushed back in. Maybe you have a dicky connection there? If you get really stuck, it's not too difficult to pull the center part of the dash apart and check the wiring/plugs behind those switches. Make sure they havent disconnected/part disconnected or wires become frayed or split/weakened. That's about all I can think of. Oh, check AC fuse as well. Reseat it and see if that helps. Replace it if its blades are corroded.

 

[JDM Journeys]

I use hot shot secrets everyday diesel.

 

[Morrtac]

I use hot shot secrets everyday diesel.

View attachment 3577718

I also use Hot Shots Secret EDT.

 

[speycaster]

I also use Hot shots diesel fuel treatment in my BJ70 with a 13 BT.

 

[M931A1]

You're welcome mate. No idea with those buttons. If they're just a basic toggle on/off switch, I doubt they would just become faulty. Theirs a two wire plug that sits on top of the AC compressor unit in the engine bay that can become unplugged but still look like its plugged in. Maybe check that to see if it needs to be pushed back in. Maybe you have a dicky connection there? If you get really stuck, it's not too difficult to pull the center part of the dash apart and check the wiring/plugs behind those switches. Make sure they havent disconnected/part disconnected or wires become frayed or split/weakened. That's about all I can think of. Oh, check AC fuse as well. Reseat it and see if that helps. Replace it if its blades are corroded.

Thanks again KB, much appreciate all your advice!

 

[M931A1]

I use hot shot secrets everyday diesel.

View attachment 3577718

Thanks folks! I haven't heard of that additive, will check it out!