ace17

whats the safest way to do this?

LENELSA

Squirt some Simple Green all over engine bay.
Let sit 5 mins.
Lightly hose off and rinse.
I use my AirForce Blaster to blow dry.

ace17

Thanks. Engine temp should be warm or cold?

Makmov

I have pressure washed them on mulitiple occations while running with no problems.

D.C.

I just use engine degreaser/cleaner from the auto parts house.

Spray it on, let sit for a few minutes, hose it off.

darth

I believe the "safest" way to clean the engine bay is with a rag and good old elbow grease. To reach the really tight areas, wrap the rag around various pointed objects (i.e. any one of your fingers - index finger works well, a screw driver, long pointy stick etc.) to fit the profile of the crevice you're trying to clean and rub. Follow up with compressed air or a vacume to dislodge/contain any remaining caked on dirt. If you're looking for a "quick" method, the suggestions above may work, but you run the risk of water entering undesireable areas and could turn into the "long" method after adding the time to diagnose and fix the water infiltration. If the water gets into the really wrong place, it may even turn into the most "expensive" method.

Cosmos99

+1 on this. I was a detailer for over 15 years and I have always done this. Especially with older rare cars. If its really dirty make sure the engine is warm. Also be careful when drying with compressed air as you can blow off some stickers. If need be repeat the whole process and use various brushes and some elbow grease.

Laker

if possible cover the snorkel on the airbox, and avoid spraying water directly onto the fan (bearings behind), the distributors, the fuse box on the left wall and the electrical connections on the center top. Simple Green is good for light dust and oil, Purple Power is better, but tough on paint. Oh and we want to see before and after pictures please..... need me some Friday engine ****