Washing the RAM 6.7L Cummins Engine - Train Wreck or Success?

In 1971, I washed the engine on my new truck. It didn't end well. After a 50 year hiatus and many trucks later, I decided to give it another try.

[@paulg444]

Did you see the twinkle in his eye when he said "this beautiful cummin 2014 engine" .. it made me think of my cummins engine and I felt a warm feeling in my heart!! Marion is the man, I count the hours until his next video!!

[@tikkin11]

I know I'm old when I'm riveted to a video about another old guy washing a truck..thanks Marion!

[@paulg444]

This is like the wife buying me a 6 pack of miller high life and asking me to install bigger tires on my truck!

[@denniswalker9738]

Looks good! I’m a sick bastard too. On my 2015 Ram 3500 I wash my engine every year or so. It’s good to see what’s going on. I spray my cold engine compartment down with straight Simple Green from a spray bottle. I put it on heavy. Let it sit for about 15 minutes then hose it all off with cold water from a garden hose. Start it up then take it down the freeway until it dries. I don’t disconnect my batteries. Never had a problem and my engine looks great.

[@TracerPhill]

Thanks for posting this sir. I have heard so many different things about cleaning the Cummins that I have just starred clear of it. Looks like your method worked out pretty well. Seems like a good project for today. Thank you for posting sir!

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, thanks. Next time I'll take a little more time and get my brush in those nooks and cranny's. Thanks for the comment.

[@timbankston3723]

Enjoy the channel. Just purchased a 2018 Ram with the Cummins. I am retiring a 05 Duramax with 360k. What I found when cleaning the engine with Simple Green (Purple Power) is it removes the grease where you do not want it and also where you do want it. The Duramax had two idler shaft bearings that were supposedly sealed but ended up squealing not too long after the wash job. Never had any issues with sensors from washing though. Just food for thought. Enjoy all of your content. Just watched the intake foam baffle video, foam is coming off ASAP.

[@joekestner8354]

Geno's sells filters for the a/c intake it will keep out leaves and heavy dust. Thanks for all your great info

[@MrSharpsh00ter]

I washed mine the same way, sprayed it and wiped it down, didn't even disconnect the battery. No problem at all.

[@jlgrizzly7972]

I love my 2500 Cummin just about as much as you do, must admit I was not brave enough to do an oil change until you showed me how to do it without making a mess with that cap for the filter so I could pull it out without dumping it all over the place. Us old guys have to stick together thanks Marion and stay healthy.

[@brettb.7425]

Just realized I’ve never subscribed which is something that I had to remedy just now. Now that that is done.... thanks for the great content that you always put out!

[@Okie-Tom]

Looks much better! Gotta do it to my 06 Cummins! Take care. Tom

[@donthurman8189]

thanks, Marion; always enjoy your Cummins videos.

[@MarionBlair]

much appreciated

[@MarionBlair]

Thank you!

[@hectorportillo1906]

Thanks for the video Marion!

[@refugiopoint]

This guy kills me, so genuine and no bullshit, it's infectious!

[@johnreynolds8170]

Great video 👍

[@perfect-compliance]

Love the channel.

[@Fireguy1962]

I use a CR spotless filtration unit for washing my truck/vehicles. It requires no drying and leaves zero spots. Works great for the engine also with no residual at all.

[@AD-zy5gr]

Great video! Mari I always enjoy your videos. By the way, you look cool sitting in front of your truck.

[@MarionBlair]

Thank you!

[@KP-rz3gk]

Thanks for doing that. I was wondering what little prep I could get away with.

[@perfect-compliance]

Love the steam cleaner for interior work and inside the house tile and shower stuff

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, it's fun to use.

[@caseyberry8190]

Looks good to me. Relatively low water pressure, I don't think it's going to hurt anything. I know the navy swore off using simple green on aircraft avionics /connectors due to corrosion and it eating stuff up, but it may not have been washed/ cleaned off enough. (Same with scrubby bubbles on the skin panels.) Then they went to power green which seemed to be about 1/2 as effective. I bet with ensuring it is rinsed off good, all cleaners will work well. Enjoy your videos, keepem coming.

[@mikestrucks]

You did a good job sir 👍 This engine looks like new again...!

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, not as scared now. It is pleasing to lift the hood and see a clean engine. ha

[@mikestrucks]

Marion Blair i also clean the engine on my 2011 cummins. Till now no issues 🤞🏻 and I always disconnect the batteries as well 👍

[@MarionBlair]

@@mikestrucks Thanks Mike, good to know, someone suggested, I take it to the car wash but I was afraid it would stay there if I couldn't start it, ha. Turned out grate however. Thanks.

[@mikestrucks]

Marion Blair subscribed. You doing great videos. Greetings from France ✌️

[@javierg3671]

This guy is awesome !!

[@paulg444]

He is pure USA.

[@LoneWolf-cf5tp]

I’ve been terrified to wash my 2014. I use to wash an old 12 valve religiously back in the 90s. Keep us updated though, the damage may not have showed up yet. Good luck. Good video Your a brave man. Lol

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, I was terrified myself. It's been about 100 miles and all is well. thank you.

[@arnie6988]

Great job it looks great

[@MarionBlair]

Thank you. Success was defined as "it started!"

[@hectorportillo1906]

A Cummins Engine can put a smile on any man.

[@novabill]

One of your funnier videos! Glad after 50 years it worked out for you! I want to clean mine up and might go out and pick up some of that purple power and liberally apply some of that and some rinsewater.

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, probably some dawn or whatever will work fine.

[@r3d1911]

Marion you have a very relaxing voice you should do some ASMR videos with your truck or just in general. soothing voice.

[@philsalsbery9994]

Nice video as usual, Marion. I remember washing the engine in my 1970 Firebird way back when, with that stuff in a spray can, GUNK, I think it was called. Wrapped the distributor in a plastic bag so it didn't get wet, spray on the GUNK, let it soak in, then hose it all off and wash all those harsh harmful chemicals down the street. Oh what fools we were back then. Engine bay looked great, started the engine to help it dry out, all good. Fast forward to now. My 2017 RAM 3500 Cummins/Aisin is looking pretty dirty under the hood. I was in southwest Utah last summer on some fire roads with lots of dust and dirt, then lots of rain, lather, rinse, repeat, etc. I had to change my air filter element when I got back to southern California. Engine bay is still filthy, but not sure how to clean it for fear of getting something wet, like a sensor, etc. and rendering my truck dead. Please do a brief follow up video, or just a reply comment to let me know how things went after a few days, week, etc. I don't want to be a lemming and follow you off the cliff if you perhaps have any residual problems. Remember that lemming video they showed us in school 50+ years ago? Thank you.

[@MarionBlair]

I will, thanks. I put bout 100 miles on it so far and no issues but I'm going to do another wash in a month or so.

[@shiznit93274]

Great video! Since I live in the Pacific NorthWET I really have no dust problem with my engine. I hose it off when washing the truck but even with 40k of miles on it now it still looks brand new. My parents live in the Central California dust bowl and their truck looks like it has 200k in miles even though it only has 8k. Guess it really depends on where you live.

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, the roads are pretty dirty down here with the farm and oilfield traffic.

[@sw5334]

I wash my engine about every 3 car washes. I go to the wand wash car washes, pop hood, spray using soap setting, switch to rinse, spray clean, close hood and wash truck. I never disconnect battery and I soak everything. Been doing this on last 3 RAM trucks for last 10 years. Never had a single issue. Not saying that someone else might have a problem but until I do, i will keep the same process. Thanks for the videos, I do enjoy them.

[@LoneWolf-cf5tp]

@S W Do you have a 4th gen ?

[@sw5334]

@@LoneWolf-cf5tp Yes I do, 2014 3500 Dually. Previous truck was a 2007, and previous was a 2004 w/5.9. None ever had issues.

[@MarionBlair]

Good for my confidence thanks.

[@jerrybrandt9377]

Looks good 👍mine looked like that once upon a time 🌝

[@rjterry21]

I wash the engine bay on my 04.5 all the time and have never once had any issues. Here's hoping the 2020 will fare the same.

[@mrfarmer532]

I don’t know what “it” is, but you have it. I swear I could watch a video of paint drying if you are doing the voice over. Keep up the great work !

[@hardtruth2039]

I havent washed my 2018 ram 2500 Cummins yet. But I used to wash my 2001 ram 1500 w/ a 318. I used super clean 50/50 with brushes and a low pressure Works battery powered pressure washer gun. Then blow it out with my leaf blower. The only thing you did that made me cringe was not removing the battery blankets. But to each his own. Another great video Marion.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, I like that idea. I almost picked up the Super Clean, I need a better pressure washer like your's. Even an electric one would be better than breaking out the gas powered one.

[@polarbear111000]

"Whatever happens.......I deserve it." Hahaha............love the honesty :)

[@kennyw9267]

I have a gun that you hook up water to as well as an air hose.I spray the engine with water and then soak it with simple green. Then blast it off with the water and air and then turn off the water and dry with just the air.Comes out spotless and have never had an issue.I learned this from a recon person at a dealership.

[@MarionBlair]

That's interesting. I'm going to snoop around the internet for something like that. I've got the air and water.

[@user-cl2es9iu1j]

I also hate a dirty engine. Looks great!

[@Tanner731]

super clean from walmart and a lot of scrubbing/rinsing is my method. I also wrap plastic bags around the ECU, distributor, fusebox and stuff

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks I almost picked up the super clean. Purple Power seems pretty good. I was just paranoid, next time I'll go a little slower and use a brush ha.

[@Tanner731]

@@MarionBlair I understand the paranoia! when I was first learning to drive I washed my car and got the distributor wet. It barely started and was not running well, I thought I ruined the car but after a few hours it dried up and the check engine lights went away.

[@franklindmurphy]

Just found your channel. You have some good videos. I bought the steam cleaner too. It did pretty much nothing. Ha. I just busted out my good old pressure washer like you did and sprayed from the top and the bottom. Then I took my air compressor and took my time to make everything dry. It has worked for my truck and for several other cars I have had. My friend wanted his clean and we did his and we have had no problem. I think if you take your time in the drying process and making sure all the connections are dry then you should be good to go.

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, these things are a lot more immune to water than they used to be. I talked to a guy that does detailing for a living and he takes them to the car wash and pressure washes the engine with it running.

[@NoblesTx]

The internet is a dangerous place at 2am. Iv bought so much crap I didn’t need that I could have probably paid for an extended warranty by now 😂

[@MarionBlair]

I heard that! We need to go to bed earlier.

[@skipnick]

one time i bought a cummins ram at 2am, free shipping sealed the deal. @@MarionBlair

[@MarionBlair]

@@skipnick Pahahahaha! That's hilarious. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one doing this kind of stuff.

[@shaneb3593]

The only thing i've ever done when power washing my Cummins is cover the alternator with a plastic bag and not hit any of the plugs with full pressure. Great video thanks for the tips

[@MarionBlair]

I didn't even do that last time

[@nalinfernando8184]

Mate,I do the same way but I scrub using old rag after that I wash with engine with car wash and let it dry afterwards I apply 'autoglym vinyl & rubber care' and let it dry than wipe of exces

[@MarionBlair]

Safer it is.

[@nalinfernando8184]

@@MarionBlair my engine doesn't have all the new age technology it's 2014 Nissan patrol TD 42[non turbo inline 6 diesel] probably know in US as Nissan 'Armada' will do a video for you

[@eddiebeaty8150]

You probably got water in your distributor on that early Chevy, the points adjustment window was notorious for allowing moisture in it. As to newer vehicles low pressure water and a good degreaser soap is all you need

[@MarionBlair]

It was some sort of sensor but don't remember.

[@jerrybrandt9377]

When I deleted it I just couldn't believe how much stuff ?? I was scared it wasn't gonna start !!! But it looks like the 5.9 now and the mpg improved a bit every day for a while!! That showed me just how clogged that dam egr had the whole engine!! But it's an 08 dually and gets 20 mpg in town !! I was like wow!! Next i want to get a banks intake and a butterfly valve delete .. I hear that guys in warm weather places delete the grid heater to improve fuel flo and gain even more mpg! But I have over 200,000 on mine now and I still love it!! But it has to be in storage half the year since I'm in rust belt northern pa. But your ram is sweet !! Keep on it and it will hold value better than a Harley I'm pretty sure???

[@kidglove100]

Citrus cleaner from home depot is a little safer then purple power but silk shine from the chemical guys is the secret for a new engine look

[@MarionBlair]

Silk Shine Ok. thanks

[@benc.7446]

Looks good. I clean mine regularly, makes it easier to keep it up. You can see my truck on TDR in the gallery section- mine is the 2014 granite crystal and silver with the red 25th anniversary valve cover on it. Not sure how far from New Orleans you are but I will be camping out that way the first week of April, maybe we’ll bump into each other. Keep the videos coming.👍

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, Ben, It seems like it run better when it's clean ha. But it's one of those things you get instant gratification from unlike changing oil, filters etc...

[@benc.7446]

Marion Blair 😊- Something about a clean engine bay and undercarriage that gives the truck that little extra. Also, keeping things clean let’s you see notice potential issues sooner. I had my upper hose Y connector get a small crack and coolant was dust barely seeping out. Because the engine was clean I was able to notice the small dried coolant spots and fix the problem before it completely failed. Not sure it would have been so clear if it was dirty. Thanks again for the nice videos- all the best to you.

[@KRich408]

What sensor was on a 1971 Chevy? My first car was a 70 Dodge Corornet 500 it had a charcoal canister, a EGR valve (Mechanical only) points (No electronic ignition) the only thing under the hood electronic was the voltage regulator.

[@MarionBlair]

can't remember but it pretty much shut me down. ES something?

[@capconserv]

If you see some guy in white clothing holding a large throw net I think that it would be advisable for you to run. Thanks for the comedy, I need that once in a while.

[@hoss6048]

I’m supposing rain and whatnot gets up in there anyway. Is it the water pressure you are concerned with? Also have you done a service on the EGR cooler, filter and valve yet? Thanks

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, I had bad experience with washing engines in the past. No service required on the EGR related stuff. The CCV is sitting in my shop but haven't done it yet. thanks.

[@hoss6048]

Marion Blair I’ve got 83 thousand on my 14 ...says service required on dash understanding it means EGR. Guess supposed to be done at 67500? Oh and it’s two months out of warranty and tranny fried ...Ram Trucks agreed to pay half of the 5700 dollar cost to replace so oh well...three months ago it woulda been zero dollars

[@loydalexander154]

Marion I clean the engine bay on my rams also. And years ago I started using a leaf blower like you do on my Harleys to get all the water out and off the engines works perfectly. All so around 6 to 7 years ago I found totally awesome at the dollar general stores and let me tell you sir it works 10 times better then purple power on engine tires wheels spots on the carpet with a old tooth brush. Or like me just use the wifes lol .but really try it you will like it on everything just on carpet or cloth just a brush and a damp micro fiber rag and done. My wife says I must drink it I will go to dollar general store and buy 3 gals at a time I clean everything with it even clothes outside house siding ect. Let me know what you think ok again thanks for the videos. Loyd alexander

[@MarionBlair]

What is it called I'll get some

[@loydalexander154]

@@MarionBlair It is called Totally Awesome at Dollar General. Adios Colonel Sanders. Lol

[@MarionBlair]

@@loydalexander154 the colonel thanks you

[@jinwushih]

Marion, no you are not crazy for wanting a clean engine. I’m the same way. I grew a pair and took my to the car wash and went to town with high pressure soap and spot free rinse. I’ll be heading over to Walmart and checking out the Purple Power. Thanks for the tip. Always enjoy your videos. Now I know why you use Delvac, looks like you were a lifer at XOM. 🙂

[@Walmart]

Great idea, Adan! You can find this great product here! 😁 bit.ly/2HhKf4L

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, I was a lifer. Then I retired and did 10 years with Chevron.

[@howardkeil1526]

What sensors are on a 71 Chevy truck water temperature that won't keep it from starting. Get the distributor or points with that's about it and they can be easily dried I power washed my vehicles for years just use a little sense on where you direct the spray

[@MarionBlair]

Don't remember, but something emissions related. It ran, just ran like shit. The way I remember, it was laying on top (V8) next to the carb somewhere.

[@supporterofsanity]

Is it bad that I just blast my engines with a pressure washer? Never had a problem. I usually do it every third wash or so.

[@MarionBlair]

I just did the same to thing to my wife's Subaru yesterday and it fired right up I think we're probably over conservative on that. Back in the old days when they first started coming out with all these sensors the engines were pretty sensitive to water and I guess that's why I was so cautious. Now I'm just going to take the hose. I talked to one person who was a professional detailer and he says he takes the car to the carwash and high-pressure spray is it with the engine running. So my point is I think people have different approaches but it doesn't appear to hurt the engine at all

[@javierg3671]

I have a 2014 ram dually and I've thinking the same if you can do it I'm on it next weekend , thanks

[@javierg3671]

1971 he said wow, I was born on that year

[@MarionBlair]

@@javierg3671 You are my son's age, ha

[@tonytees7577]

Everytime I go to the truck wash, I pop the hood and pressure wash everything. Had a '13 half ton Laramie, then a 2017 cummins standard trans, now a 2018 SLT Harvester edeitin and have never had any problems washing under the hood. I do avoid the connectors and all that shit though...but it doesn't take much if you keep up on it.

[@MarionBlair]

I took the hose to mine the other day. I'm getting braver. I haven't heard of any issues with electrical.

[@tonytees7577]

@@MarionBlair yeah...just avoid the plugs and whatnot.

[@novabill]

That smile at 15:28 said it all!!

[@MarionBlair]

Ha, Yea, relief

[@bobabooie6389]

👍👍

[@bayonne]

It turned out good. When I clean an engine I rinse it first, then spray 409 on any areas that are greasy or heavy dirt. The absolute best brush for engines and wheels is the Speedmaster Brush. It’s soft, and cleans 360 degrees. You can buy it on AutoGeek.net try one, you’ll see. It will reach everywhere! P.s. don’t get the noise insulation under the hood wet, bad things happen.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks I'm going to do all of that. I need that brush

[@bayonne]

You are going to find many, many things you can clean with the Speedmaster Brush. Areas that you have never been able to reach will be spotless. I have 2 of them and use them all the time, very durable.

[@MarionBlair]

@@bayonne I just ordered one bayonne, thanks for the tip. I saw a pro using one in a video and though how good it slipped into the tight spaces.

[@MarionBlair]

I want to thank you for the Speedmaster Brush tip. I ordered one the day you posted this. I used it for the first time today on my motorcycle and it is amazing. It fits in every crack

[@bayonne]

Yes it does.. I'm glad it works for you.

[@roamy37748]

I have used Son of A Gun on my engine with good results. I spray it on and wipe it with a rag. The dust dose not build up as easy because it repels dust. I do it every oil change.

[@MarionBlair]

I'll have to try that. Do you hose it off?

[@roamy37748]

No I spray quite a bit on it and just wipe it down with a old rag. It gets in to spots where you cant get to it so you may need a screw driver or something to push the rag into those hard to get spots. If you live on a dirt road it may be harder to keep clean. It looks nice on my daily driver.

[@MarionBlair]

thanks

[@stevenlaubach7222]

I just use a can of engine degreaser and a hose or pressure washer on low.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, the electronics seem to tolerate water well. Saw some folks take it to the car wash. no issues that i've heard of.

[@kidglove100]

I use silk shine by hand and spray bottle

[@Big_Papi_78]

Get some Gunk Heavy Duty Gel Engine Degreaser spray engine down over everything. Then power wash it off. Take leaf blower and blow excess water off. Spray engine dressing and leave truck sitting overnight to completely dry.

[@jeffbishop8291]

I could see you as my neighbor. I’ll hold the camera and a beer so when you replace or clean anything on my 18 I’m sure it’s just like your 14..

[@MarionBlair]

That would work but you have to share that beer

[@jeffbishop8291]

Absolutely!

[@kayakdog121]

Thats plenty clean enough for an engine. I don't understand why some people bother to make their hoses shine, etc. It's all concealed under the hood anyway.

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, it's really something we do that's not needed. An engine doesn't really care how dirty it is as long as it's getting clean fuel, air and oil.

[@danroggie8265]

I'm surprised their were no issues.

[@MarionBlair]

Done it a lots since then. no problems.

[@jamesorr2404]

I cleaned mine and realized it's Not Red!! Damn It Anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarionBlair]

Mine's dirty again

[@kidglove100]

Marion. ..next time use citrus decreased from home depot or ebay.......'then use .....SILK SHINE DRESSING...... ON THE Plastic and hoses on metal everything you can spare it on wipe it off and you'll have a new lookin engine I buy it on ebay

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks I'll look for it, I'm trying everything I can get my hands on just to see which one I like the best. so far I've got purple Power citrus gunk Simple Green others

[@bc7784]

Purple Power full strength will discolor aluminum just want to let you know

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, I'll stick with the diluted version, it did really well considering I didn't use a brush or didn't let it soak, just washed it right off.

[@FordF-Super]

Does this truck offer a manual regen, ford does, you can do a regen in your driveway instead of driving to complete one

[@MarionBlair]

No, only the dealer can do it on the RAM. I wish it did.

[@alanb.4660]

time to upgrade that plastic y-pipe :)

[@MarionBlair]

Yes it is. I'm planning to replace it thanks.

[@heyttsguy]

Try SprayNine and never look back.

[@polarbear111000]

The steam cleaner would be great for defrosting my windshield in winter.............. :)

[@MarionBlair]

True, and it's also good for removing dirt dobbers off of the house but that's about it

[@luisuranga9212]

Do you recommend delete this engines ..?i like all you videos

[@MarionBlair]

I will possibly if I have an emissions failure.

[@hardtruth2039]

Looks great! I use full strength super clean on my ram 2500 Cummins. I do it enough that brushes aren’t needed. I have a friend with a lift so I can get under her as well and keep her nice and clean.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks I should do anymore. Do you just Wash it down or do you disconnect the batteries or anything like that?

[@hardtruth2039]

@@MarionBlair I cover the sensors with hd foil and disconnect both negatives on the batteries. I don’t use a pressure washer, just low pressure water to gently rinse then a leave blower to blow off the excess water. I don’t let it get very dirty. With a lot of the “extra” parts removed it’s much easier to clean.

[@paulehlers2225]

Five dollars at a carwash would have done a better job and would have left the mess at the carwash for their water reclamation equipment to take care of.

[@MarionBlair]

Yeah that's what the detailer told me he does, I'm just taking baby steps because I wasn't sure whether I could even get the damn thing started

[@raymondcruz2000]

Should you ever question the water resistance of our trucks. Have a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWe9Y52CbZqZabM You can use high pressure water, but don't use high pressure with heat, the steam will make it's way into the connectors. See ya, take care

[@themadcatter5849]

I can’t spend all my time on my truck because my wife is an attention hog. Must be nice all you guys have this free time.

[@MarionBlair]

Ha, I think we've all had your problem to varying degrees. When I was younger, she demanded full attention but as we've aged, I don't think she gives a sh_t what I do. ha.

[@jimstone1404]

Put that motor on a diet! Way too much unwanted/needed junk on that engine. All the videos your doing are great but if you really want to give that thing longevity…..you know what needs to be done.

[@MarionBlair]

I know what you mean and agree.

[@JJconcrete]

😂😂🤣🤣 you can't stand a dirty engine but it's only cleaned an engine one the other time in his life.

[@travsreed5796]

why would do this

[@dennisderocco2789]

Boring Boring

[@871jamie]

A sensor on a 71 Chevy? Shouldn’t have been that difficult to figure out! Lol

[@871jamie]

I use a 3000, psi 6GPM Hotsy with 250 degrees of steam on my 2017 and have since it was new with no issues. Just have to have some common sense about it!