Blue Lightning

I'd like to see that myself!

briand

I always clean a cold engine. And I put aluminum foil over parts that I don't want water and cleaner to get on.

I use a soft bristle brush for the top of the engine. For the dirty, closer to the bottom parts, I will sometimes use a stiffer brush. And for the parts you cannot reach I spray some cleaner on, let it soak and then spray it off.

Once its clean (and dry-ish) I follow up with something called Adam's In & Out Detail Spray. Its safe if you spray it on glass or paint as it wipes right off with a microfiber towel.

voigtsga

I've still got to do the bottom end, but i just cleaned the top area very well using a toothbrush and a sponge brush thing with good old dishwashing liquid. I rinse off with a garden hose at low pressure. It sure looks a lot better. I cleaned off the engine compartment and hood inside also.

87silver

Never use water. I learned that many years ago. Water will steam on metallic surfaces, then infiltrate the electrical connections, even though you might have protected them with plastic bags or other good intentions. The issues won't be apparent at first, but you'll pay somewhere down the road.

Damp cloth, then a protectorant is all that is necessary. If you need to clean residual grease, simple oil based paint thinner will do, then apply the protectorant. Tell me I'm wrong, but below is the results of this process used for 24 years with my '87 Silverado. The electrical system is still tight and reliable to this day. I still use this process with my HHR.

sleeper

For alum corrosion I have been using S100, with excellent results on my vehicles & the bikes..
http://www.s100.com/s100_cp.htm

& I agree with 87silver for cleaning

843de

I use an old hand towel dampened with water and then a bit of Armor-All squirted on it. I just wipe down everything I can reach every wash, and the engine stays pristine with minimal effort. Also don't forget to wax your hood's underside and the radiator support along any other painted surfaces, keeps dirt and dust from sticking so it just wipes right off.

SS fan

bath in gunk rinse with water