Under the hood clean up Options

[Oreo20]

I don't know much in cleaning engines
What can I use to remove dirt and oil I want a clean engine
Any liquids ??? Can I use a hose with water or not ??

[Nihil]

You can get engine cleaners (foam spray) where you just spray everything, leave it for a few minutes and wash everything down with a hose. But you must put a bag over the alternator and battery (maybe even better to remove the battery), the rest of the instructions are usually detailed on the can. Tried it once, but it didn't really do much...

Next time I'll try with some regular degreaser for the kitchen.

[trdproven]

any degreaser, but you'll need to do a little scrubbing on the heavy deposits of grime. after that, shine up the black plastics up with any armor-all or whatever of your choice. it makes a difference. you cannot change the condition of your block or metals but it will be cleaner.

This post has been edited by trdproven: Apr 4, 2014 - 1:16 AM

[RavenAegis45]

I like Simple green, it works effectively enough at cleaning oil and grease, as for dirt water works just fine, I just make sure to cover any electricals and I use plenty of Di-electric grease in the plug boots to make sure my spark plugs don't get drowned in water just in case water gets through

This post has been edited by RavenAegis45: Apr 4, 2014 - 1:20 AM

[Special_Edy]

Car wash. You can spray water anywhere in the engine compartment. As stated before dont directly spray the alternator, distrubutor or valve cover (water gets into the spark plug tubes).
You can use the high pressure soap and rinse, just avoid the vacuum hoses or wires that may be brittle enough to blow off.
Always, Always, ALWAYS leave the engine running while you wash it, and make sure its warm before you start. You dont want it cold or else it wont evaporate the water away that gets into bad places.

The only major problem you would normally encounter is getting water into the distributor which will stall the car. I also wouldnt hold the nozzle too close to the gaskets with the high pressure.