Engine bay cleaning

I want to clean and degrease everything under the hood. I know there are products specifically designed for this, and I understand not to use high pressure water.

So should I just spray on the cleaner, wait a while, then hose it off? Or are there components that I should cover beforehand?

I use to hose down the engine bay of my 99 s10 until I had to replace 2 alternators within a few thousand miles. Not sure if it was from the washing or just being an s10.

 

Some don't have issues with the alternator but I always throw a bag over it to be safe. I imagine a lot of dirt and grime are no good for the bushings inside of it so I bag it. I've had success with the carwash degreaser and sprayer and have also had good results from just Simple Green and the house hose. I also cover my air filter because it's exposed unlike the stock air box which would be fine if water got splashed onto it.

 

I have been pressure washing engines since my youth just takes some Common Sense

Then I never let mine get that bad so it just takes a quick rinse when I think of it.

 

+1

 

I use the purple jug of degreaser in a spray bottle. Spray it all over but I don't spray it on the alternator, coil packs, or eco. I hold the car wash wand back so it's not full pressure on the underwood components. Never not started and never had a CEL.

That degreaser is harsh though as it dulls aluminum.

 

Thanks. I guess I will give it a good washing.

Unfortunately mine was neglected before I got it and is pretty grimy. I will have to see if the parts store has any common sense for sale when I pick up the degreaser, I am probably running low...

 

If it is really bad sometimes one needs to get physical with a brush on the really bad areas .

 

I have used a pressure washer also for 50+ years also ... no problems here!!

 

I had an '86 Honda that got steam cleaned by the dealer every time it was in for something. I liked that service. That thing ran for over 300K miles with no electrical issues.

 

Steam Cleaner, yah, would love to get my hands on one of those!!