I've had my D1's diesel engine compartment washed every now and then, they use a rag dipped in solution of kerosene, water and detergent to remove the soot. Then they cover the alternator and pressure wash the compartment. I know it's late to ask but is this ok? or will I encounter long term effects.

 

I would do it more frequently and use no chemicals, just cold wash pressure. To many chemical will screw up your wires and connections.
Where is your ECU located, if in the engine compartment then bag it, everything else is OK.
I do my 99 D2 at least once a month with no issues in over 7 years.

 

Honestly, I don't have any idea where the ECU in the engine compartment is, all I know is the guys doing the cleaning is covering the alternator with a plastic bag. The solution they made is quite effective in removing the black stains inside the compartment, I hope it does not do anything to the electrical wiring.

 

It will cause wiring and connection issues so go to straight water and if you have to clean it more often.
I have a few friends with diesels and don't see the soot you are talking about in their engine compartments, I am wondering why you have soot where you shouldn't have it?

 

i am with mikle 100% on this. i clean under my hood after every outing in which mud and crud has been flung up in the engine bay.

clean often and be thorough. avoid chemicals as they can weaken plastic and rubber.

i like to use hot water with a mild soap. then a gentle rinse. every couple oil changes i will disconnect electrical connections and put a dab of dielectric grease on the pins or slides. **** i know but it helps protect against water screwing up a connection in the garage or on the trail.

 

Good point on the dielectric!!

 

i learned to use dielectric on my first car and i never fell out of the habit.

my first car was a 1969 el camino with a 350 w/ a points ignition. living in the seattle area the moisture would keep that thing from firing up with the slightest amount of moisture in the distributor. that was when i was 15. many nights i lay under the hood of that car getting it ready for when i had my license.

anyways since then on every car r truck i have owned i have stuck with the lessons i learned on that old rig.

 

Ok thanks guys will clean it more often with just water and soap. There is thin film of soot usually at the corners of the engine bay but I think it comes from the other cars, usually when I drive to work its bumper to bumper traffic. Which parts of the diesel engine can I apply the dielectric grease aside from the battery terminals.

 

You need to check for exhaust leaks cause there should be no soot build up in your engine compartment and sure not going to get it from someone in front of you.

 

all of the electrical connectors. unplug them and apply a dab of grease to the metal pins and reconnect.