I find the following works well. First, every time I was the car as part of the drying process I pop the trunk and hood and dry along the edges - this by itself helps keep the engine bay clean. But every so often I tackle the engine and other mechanicals by simply spraying water from the garden hose, and that by itself washes away most of the dust and dirt. I do take car to not soak the electrical bits, but if they get a bit wet it's not really an issue. Then I wipe down with a towel. I find little to no need to actually use a degreaser, though this method doesn't get you to a concours level of clean. I also make sure to remove all the old leaves, twigs etc. that may have gathered in unwelcome spots, such as adjacent to the hood struts. You may also want to check under the plastic covers adjacent to the struts - there are drain holes down there that can get clogged with debris.

 

Sprayed it down to get it good and wet, sprayed some "Tuff Stuff" foaming cleaner, let it sit a few minutes, then sprayed it off. Don't use full blast, just enough of a mist to get the dirt and cleaner off. Don't want to "force" water inside the electric components. I've been spraying off engines for years with no problem. Sometimes I use Gunk engine degreaser if it's really bad.

 

I would look to minimise the exposure to water of the main electrical components, and in particular, the coil packs which are prone to fail should they get wet.

Depending on how dirty the engine bay is, wiping down with a damp cloth may be sufficient to clean it up.

 

After you have cleaned it spray it with Aerospace 303 to make it look like new OEM

SB

 

I loosely cover the alternator (and any other sensitive looking electronics) with a plastic bag then spray the engine bay with this stuff (which I use on my bike)......

FS-1 Bike Cleaner Concentrate

Unless any areas are caked in oily crap, you can dilute it 1:10 and it still works well.

Rinse, air dry (obviously better on a warm day), then Aerospace 303 on the plastics.

 

This is my method of cleaning engine bays:
1. Start car and get engine up to temp.
2. Stop engine and as recommended cover or protect at risk electrical components, such as coil packs, etc. Silver foil works well as it is easily moulded.
3. Spray entire engine bay with an all purpose cleaner (APC). Autosmart G101 is ideal. Leave to dwell for 10 mins, have a cuppa?
4. Start engine again, but just to be on the safe side leave rear pass door open, so you can still enter car. You never know?
5. With your pressure washer rinse down engine bay, just be sensible near the electrics, but most engine bay electrics should be IP65 rated anyway.
6. Once clean, wipe down. Then leave her running with bonnet down. If you have a leaf blower you can give the bay a quick blast with this if prefered.
7. Now once dry " dress" engine bay with the desired product of your choice. There are lots to choose from, Aerospace 303, Autosmart Finish....your choice mate.
8. Stand back and admire your show case engine bay.

 

take 14 month old car back to dealer for faulty electrics to be fixed under warranty only for them to say....youve been using chemicals and water under here hence the failure....

they wouldnt do that, would they?

 

If I were to use a hose. Exactly what areas should I cover. I was thinking of using a wet towel to be on the safe side

 

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If I were to use a hose. Exactly what areas should I cover. I was thinking of using a wet towel to be on the safe side

You dont want to use a wet towel, as it is not water proof, it will soak, and water will go through and fuck your engine up. You must use plastic bags.

 

Hand held steam cleaner

 

I need one of those.

 

I never thought that would clean the engine bay. I'll look into it.

 

My way is, get the engine in warm condition, neither cold nor hot. Then cover your electric bits using some plastic bags you get from grocery store, after that, fix the plastic bag with glue type, so your electric system is saved. Gentle spray anywhere you want with your gardening hose but not your fuckin high pressure water cleaner. Then quickly spray some multi-purpose cleaner, on the surface, use a brush or a brush pen(I dont know how to say in english, just those pen made of animal hairs and looks like animal tails) to clean the shit out quickly. Do not let the mult-purpose cleaner dry. Finally, flush up with water hose, let it dry, then take off the plastic bags and glue types.

 

I'm not exactly sure where to place the plastics. I know to cover the intake. But I can't see any other electrical component it the engine bay. But I'll take your advice thanks.