Cleaning engine

I just read the "hot or cold" thread on cleaning engines. As a moderately inept mechanic, what pieces absolutely should get covered with plastic before washing? What should not be powerfully directed at?

 

I think it'd be better to just use a rag or something. I've seen someone high pressure hose their bay, not too pretty

 

I've pressure washed mine at a Blue Beacon for years. Just leave it running, and stay away from the air box and let the chemicals do most of the work.

 

I do it all the time. Just use it to blow off the suds. Don't hold it close to anything to be safe.

 

With a cool engine, as long as you don't soak components down you will be fine.

 

Here's a good video that Adam's Polishes did a while ago. The engine bay they used for demonstration isn't *that* dirty ...but I'm in total agreement with most of the techniques they cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZvEZrgyoX0

 

I think the key is .....engine COLD and not a lot of pressure.

I've only done mine a couple times in 7 years. I used to use Simple Green.....but that stuff is kinda corrosive.

The last time I washed mine, I used DAWN Power Dissolver. Spray it on....let it sit for a few minutes and hose it off with no pressure and no scrubbing.

It's probably not a 'detailers' choice - but it cleaned it up enough for me!!