On my other cars I've usually sprayed on a citrus degreaser and hose off, dry and dress with a low gloss protectant. Other than covering the air box is there any else I should consider?

 

I've hosed mine down as you describe a few times. No ill effects.

Stay away from heavy water on anything that looks too electrical and you'll be fine.

 

I usually cover my alternator as a precaution. Some do some don't

 

I've washed it once since I've bought it (in May). Just had the car on, sprayed with engine cleaner and rinsed. I didn't cover anything, but was very cautious of the alternator and electrical lines. Let the car run a bit before closing the lid (maybe ran for 5 minutes total, clean and drying). Then continued to clean the rest of the car. Afterwards I dried the engine bay very carefully.


On a side note Alpine, thanks much for the sway bar, it is working out great!.

 

+1 on covering the alternator as well. I know someone lost an alternator after an engine wash (not a Porsche but similar kind of alternator). It's just not worth the risks.

Most electrical wiring are weather proof so I won't worry too much. There are a few that are not - the starter terminals, alternator terminal, the oil pressure sender, the a/c compressor single pin connector, the engine "+" jump start terminal above the a/c compressor, ground cable, etc. I don't but you can cover those too if you're worried about them.

Having said that, I would not recommend washing the engine frequently (I did only twice in 9yrs).

 

...and...wait for it...almost there...

Might as well drop the motor.

 

I use a small steamer I got from Harbor Freight. Works pretty damn well and introduces the least amount of water into the cleaning equation.

 

Hey Gator! When is the censored thing going to be over? Dang! Anyway, when I have undertaken cleaning the engine bay...removed air cleaner box, zipped tied a plastic bag over TB intake, covered alternator with plastic, removed serpentine belt, carefully sprayed with citrus degreaser, used open garden hose to gently wash it down, blew the heck out of it with the leaf blower and wiped everything with lots of used towels. The reason for blowing it is the flat engine design. There are many nooks and crannies between (under the intake manifolds) where water and crap builds up on the top of the engine block. I pulled leaves, rocks, rubber, etc. out of there when replacing the starter awhile back. It's a Saturday afternoon two beer job. Have fun!

 

Nice tip - I didn't know HF had steam cleaners. Time to add a tool to my collection of HF crap.

 

Will, glad to hear you got it on already and enjoying it.

 

So i do the whole degreasing thing, but then I take either tire foam (when I m lazy) or black plastic treatment and wipe down all the accessible black plastic parts. Hoses I use the tire foam, it helps them last longer.

 

Step one remove engine
Plug every line

 

Step #2 send said dirty engine to KK , his engine is spotless.

 

Quick tip: Don't bother

 

Step #3: after you receive clean engine back and install it, leave your car parked in your garage.