Engine Cleaning

[C5Rick]

Seems like my engine compartment is a sand / dust magnet. What's a safe way to clean this area. There's no grease. I'm afraid to use a garden hose.

["Backyard Mechanic"]

Don't be afraid my friend,come to the darkside
Just take what you can off [filter]and clean those parts,then use a lite degreaser and spray -hoses,heads and things like that that can get grease from the road.When hosing the engine down,use a low spray nozzle and have the engine running while you rinse.Before you rinse off the engine just use a soft brush and car soap and wash the engine down,stay away from electrically stuff,they can get wet,but you just don't want to soak them.Then rinse.
Dry what you can and let mother nature dry the rest,If you have a blower then you can dry the hard parts with that.Try not to clean your engine if you are planning on going somewhere soon after,then it just gets dirty again from the water that may be still on there.Small hint,Always wash the engine before you wash the car,then when you rinse the dirt off it goes on your dirty car,not your just washed car.
Also do your tires and wheels first before the car,for the same reason.
Hope this helps,

[als2052]

Could not have said it better myself...Great job Rob...

[98 softtail]

Aw Crap, ya mean that 5000psi pressure washer I was going to rent to clean my motor won't work?

["Backyard Mechanic"]

Originally Posted by 98 softtail

Aw Crap, ya mean that 5000psi pressure washer I was going to rent to clean my motor won't work?

As dirty as your's is,it might

[zzzona]

Rick..I followed this video from ADAM'S..and it worked great..I was a bit more careful than him, but it came out great. I think I had some old shower liners I covered the fenders with, and I used Simple Green... http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx

[C5Rick]

Thanks for all the advice, but still a couple of questions.
When I'm using water under the hood I want to cover my K&N, but wouldn't it be then hard to start and run.
I heard Simple Green attacks aluminum or at least isn't good for it.

["Backyard Mechanic"]

Originally Posted by C5Rick

Thanks for all the advice, but still a couple of questions.
When I'm using water under the hood I want to cover my K&N, but wouldn't it be then hard to start and run.
I heard Simple Green attacks aluminum or at least isn't good for it.

If you can,take out the filters.If not cover it with a garbage bag.Simple green will only stain if you leave it on to long[2 mins at the most]You also can put it into another bottle and add water to it so it's not as strong.you will have to use some "Elbow Grease" to get to the hard spots.