How to wash engine bay?

[kin0kin]

I was wondering how to wash engine bay. I've googled some articles and most say to cover the alternator, and electric contacts with plastic bag, spray some de-greaser then wash away.

Some questions:
1) the alternator looks dirty, can I wash it somehow?
2) are most fusebox water resistant? do I have to cover it when washing the engine bay?
3) There are some wires in certain area, again they look kinda dirty, can I just wash away?
4) Is it OK to wet the engine cover? and whatever beneath it?

Thanks

[evil812]

i just leave the engine running and wash away... you can get a can of degreaser might help as well...

[originalnutta]

I was wondering how to wash engine bay. I've googled some articles and most say to cover the alternator, and electric contacts with plastic bag, spray some de-greaser then wash away.

Some questions:
1) the alternator looks dirty, can I wash it somehow?
2) are most fusebox water resistant? do I have to cover it when washing the engine bay?
3) There are some wires in certain area, again they look kinda dirty, can I just wash away?
4) Is it OK to wet the engine cover? and whatever beneath it?

Thanks

1) it will work fine, but if you just want it to look good then take a wet toothbrush to it, and clean gently.
2)cover it to be safe in case of leaks
3)should be able to wash them, unless they are exposed. just wipe them down with a cloth first.
4) you can wet the engine cover, just dont get any into where the spark plugs sit.

[amplified]

i just leave the engine running and wash away... you can get a can of degreaser might help as well...

never leave the engine running. especially if you are washing with cold water. hot engine + cold water and you could potentially crack the engine block. instead warm the car for 5-10mins, turn it off and then wash, that way the water will evaporate a bit quicker.

[AGR-1]

When vehicles had distributors, carburetors, you could wash with a hose, and pressure washer.

When vehicles have electronics, modules you wipe off dirt with WD40 and never use water, hose, degreaser, pressure washer, unless you are intent on creating problems.

[Tomy]

When vehicles had distributors, carburetors, you could wash with a hose, and pressure washer.

When vehicles have electronics, modules you wipe off dirt with WD40 and never use water, hose, degreaser, pressure washer, unless you are intent on creating problems.

+1, but i'll avoid pressure washers.. i usually cover the alternator and other electronics and spray with engine degreaser.. then hose it off with cold water

o btw, i wait till my car is cooled off at least a few hours before i intent to wash the car.

after hosing it off and cleaning the sensitive parts with a damp towel, i dry it up and go for a cruise to warm up

[Rekognize]

The last time I tried this I ended up buying a new alternator

[selpats]

Take it to a car detailing place and have them do it. They have insurance...

[looniepincher]

I used to use simple green. It's is a good degreaser but I agree with the above--there's too much electrical under the hood these days that I'd much rather have a professional do it.