Cleaning Engine Compartment - Whats a safe way to do it?

[x-ray]

I've done a search, but didn't come up with much - just wanted to know what is a good (and safe to the deuce) way to efficiently remove the grime in the engine compartment. Can you steam clean or pressure wash with some simple green or use other degreaser or is it just best to leave it alone??

Thanks up front for any thoughts & info you can offer.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I use gunk and a pressure washer semi regularly. I try not to blast the plastics and keep a good distance from the injection pump. Your mileage may vary!

 

[clinto]

Ditto to Kenny's response. I typically spray a degreaser on it, let it sit and have at it. I am careful not to shoot around the engine plate on the passenger side of the block for fear of cleaning off the screen printing.

I was always told that if you were going to spray cold water on a hot engine to let it run so it wouldn't crack. Don't know if it's true or not (sounds reasonable) but it's never failed me.

 

[OD_Coyote]

I use simple green and a garden hose on a cold engine. Eveytime I change the oil I clean the engine which is usually 3 times a year.

 

[bgekky3]

I use Purple Power and a garden hose. Purple Power is good at getting oil off driveways too. I found it at Lowes and Autozone, but every store carries it.

 

[wsucougarx]

simple green and garden hose

 

[AaronW]

Castrol Super Clean(Purple spray bottle) and garden hose!

I guess it's just called SuperClean now. Not by Castrol anymore. Pulled cause it worked too good?