How do you clean the V3 manifold?

[Jack_Toepfer]

My V3 is absolutely filthy. We're only 1/2 way through winter and I can see that in the spring this thing will be black and unrecognizable. I used to be proud to show it off... when it was shiny and nice... it blends in with the frame rail now.

I don't wash my truck much, only about 2x since I bought it, but I wouldn't mind keeping the V3 clean. It will stay cleaner after I put the guard on it, but right now, it is outright horrible.

Can I use Simple Green, or that purple stuff? Hit it with a power washer?
What are my options? I think gas would cut through veggie oil... but I don't know how the other components would handle gas on a paintbrush/rag.

I'm also looking to clean the hoses from the V3 to the motor so I can wrap them... and I don't want to use anything corrosive on that rubber line.

[Marv]

I would probably opt for the Simple Green or the Purple stuff first...and maybe just some plain old Dawn dish liquid. That seems to be the best at cutting dried vegi oil.

Power washer would probably be good, but I'd be careful with the electronics.

I'd probably just take a soapy rag to those lines with some elbow grease.

Let us know how it turns out. I need to clean mine as well and put some kind of guard on it. It's pretty nasty I'm sure.

[lancaster,pa]

My V3 is absolutely filthy. We're only 1/2 way through winter and I can see that in the spring this thing will be black and unrecognizable. I used to be proud to show it off... when it was shiny and nice... it blends in with the frame rail now.

I don't wash my truck much, only about 2x since I bought it, but I wouldn't mind keeping the V3 clean. It will stay cleaner after I put the guard on it, but right now, it is outright horrible.

Can I use Simple Green, or that purple stuff? Hit it with a power washer?
What are my options? I think gas would cut through veggie oil... but I don't know how the other components would handle gas on a paintbrush/rag.

I'm also looking to clean the hoses from the V3 to the motor so I can wrap them... and I don't want to use anything corrosive on that rubber line.

Jack,
Just curious as to how all that veggie is getting on the outside of the V3. Leaking somewhere or just running down when changing filter or pre-filter screen? - Patrick

[Marv]

Jack,
Just curious as to how all that veggie is getting on the outside of the V3. Leaking somewhere or just running down when changing filter or pre-filter screen? - Patrick

Mine seeps a bit when it's running. Always has I suppose. Usually wipes off pretty easy when the module is hot though.

[Jack_Toepfer]

Jack,
Just curious as to how all that veggie is getting on the outside of the V3. Leaking somewhere or just running down when changing filter or pre-filter screen? - Patrick

Thats exactly what is happening. This is why I proposed adding a hinge to my "guard" that will allow the V3 to swing down... pointing all of the orifices down, instead of sideways. It would be significantly easier to get to the pre-screen if I did this.

I've been through more Donaldsons than most on here, and I've had my pre-screen out twice. I also had a very bad experience with a fuel pressure sending unit and an elbow that leaked profusely, as well as spraying myself and the manifold with hot oil when I tried to take a pressure reading with a tire gauge.

[Clay]

mines filthy too as is the entire under side of the truck from various leaks that would drip oil and while driving, that oil drip ended up all under the truck to the rear bumper. The worst was last Nov. when my pressure sending unit took a dump and began leaking out the top where t he wire screws to it...i drove 120 miles, parked and noticed oil/fuel all down the side of the truck on the lower half...the indercarage was a mess. Then i had to drive back home 120 miles before i could fix it...

[Jack_Toepfer]

Then i had to drive back home 120 miles before i could fix it...

Yeah, mine wasn't 120 miles.. but @ 75psi @ 150* ... it was quite a mess.

I'll douse it with purple stuff and let is sit... and then try to wipe her down.

It would also be significantly easier to notice a leak if it was clean.

[Clay]

It would also be significantly easier to notice a leak if it was clean.

My old V1 had several slow seapage leaks...i left them and they gummed up and sealed themselvs off....leaks fixed.

[Jack_Toepfer]

HAHA

Procrastination always pays off in the end.

[muns53]

Whenever I get my system in, I want to put a plate over it to protect it from rocks, salt and grime, etc. I had originally thought this plate should swing down for easier access to the V3, but taking that a step further and having the whole V3 swing down on a pinned bracket sounds really good. Either way, easier access to it's naughty bits sound good. There are some pics on this website that get close to what I was envisioning. This was an install on an '02 van by Veggie Garage (a DFA installer in CA.)

http://www.veggiegarage.com/02sprtsmobile.html

[AzDave]

Hey guys VeggieGarage is in Mesa, Arizona. The van in the photos is from Calif.

Thanks,Dave Roberson

https://www.veggiegarage.com

[muns53]

My mistake, Dave - sorry about that!

Was that plate custom-fabricated or is it something you could resell to an interested party? :chuckles:

[AzDave]

It was made at my shop with the help of the shop next doors metal brake for the bends.

I make this kind of stuff as much as I can. Last year I bought a mig welder..plasma cutter...small bending press and went to a local couminity college for some basic welding skills. Kinda fun.

Welding shops like to charge a LOT around here but you can often get basic welding and bending done for cheaper at a muffler shop.

Bye for now..Dave

[skyskijason]

Good 'ole diesel works best for cutting the nastiest, dried out, baked on VO messes. And it won't damage paint or corrode aluminum! I keep some in a spray bottle and use a stiff brush for the thick stuff. (50% blend of concentrate) Purple Power for cleanin' up the diesel residue and/or fresh VO spills.

Careful, pure PP will eliminate the 'shine' on aluminum pretty quickly...

[skyskijason]

Is it worse than this?