Cleaning under the hood

What is the best way to clean the engine and everything else under the hood? I used the search but didn't find my answer.

I know lots of mechanics offer some type of engine bath, but is there a practical way someone can easily do this at home to get it really clean?

 

If you have any of those self service car washes in your area they usually have an option for engine cleaner. It's a low pressure option so you spray it on, let it sit a few seconds, and spray it off using the rinse. It works really well. When I lived in NC I used to do this to my trucks once every year or so to clean out all the mud and junk that would get thrown in there from mudding.
Not sure of any home cleaning kits though.

 

I used a spray can of brake cleaner on some of my older cars and it works great..not sure if it leads to fading of plastic parts because all of the plastic that I used it on was already faded.

 

Damp rag and degreaser if needed. That engine cleaner option works pretty well too...Just be careful with the water around the electrical connections.

 

x2 on the elec. connections.

i always do it then drive around for a little while afterwards so it stays warm in the engine bay and helps dry everything out.

 

I need to do this just scared I'll F somthing up.

 

My local DIY car war doesn't have an engine cleaner option. It doesn't even have any low pressure settings AFAIK. Would it be really bad if I just stood a few feet away so the pressure wouldn't be that strong and blasted her with hot soapy water?

I was thinking about just doing the cleaner + rag + beer saturday afternoon method...just that takes so long!

 

x2 I usually just wipe everyting off and hit the plastic parts w/some armor all. once a week. I have had my truck for a little over a year and the engine compartment still looks new.

 

BTW I do this every week, in hope of having a cleaner air filter which could mean a cleaner engine. What do you guys think about that?

 

When i was in the Honda scene, we'd always cover up the battery, fuse box, distributer and cap, and alternator.
Slight rinse with water.
Spray the whole bay with simple green or your choice of degreaser
Take a brush or rag and scrub out the stubborn dirt and grease
Rinse off with water
Let dry
Spray Armor All over entire engine
Close hood and run motor to help the Armor All do its thing
Open hood and touch up whatever needs more Armor All
Done

 

Will try that thanks.

 

Im not positive if you have to cover up any of those things since i see lots of pics with a tacoma driving through a river on here. But its something we did anyway. The Armor All will give you a nice shine and it wont cling too much dirt.

 

Gunk foaming engine cleaner(or similar) from WallyWorld.Spray it on, wait a few minutes, spray it off. Always worked great for me.

 

Yeah....Don't drench the electronics/wiring harnesses and you should be fine- River/Rain Water, Mud and Snow all get up under there without causing damage.
Just be careful- Take your time....You'll be fine.

 

Doesn't brake cleaner eat paint? Pretty sure brake fluid does, not sure about cleaner.

 

I just spray some cheap degreaser (grease lightning) and rinse it off with a hose. Then I start it up and make sure I didn't F something up. Comes out like new. So far so good.