What to mask off, cover, etc. before washing motor?

I typically wash motors with Simple Green, and a garden hose with spray nozzle and the nozzle set on the "shower" setting so it's just a gentle rinse which works great. I don't want to use too much pressure and have water seep into areas that would cause problems!

Are there any specific engine components that should be covered, masked off, etc., before washing a Tacoma motor?

Ed

 

I've read some guys will cover their alternator and fuseblock areas.

 

I use a microfiber cloth with simple green and water mixed 1:3 then dry with another microfiber cloth. No hose needed if you do it once a month or so!

 

I get mine sprayed down with simple and an industrial steam/power washer basically overtime after I take it off road... don't cover anything and have 0 problems with it all... they do it all the time at my bros shop to the vehicles they work on as a standard cleaning procedure...