Yep, I'll second the Simple Green, although I use Simple Green MAX. Great stuff. And yeah, I should have mentioned that just because I don't cover anything doesn't mean I go blasting the crap out of electrical stuff

And BTW vital49, LMAO at your avatar little people rule!

Take this for what it'* worth, I've worked at Goodyear and Firestone, and never heard of them having problems with any electrical issues.

As for personal experience, I've powered washed my vehicles over 100 times in approximately 30 years of driving and have never covered anything in the engine compartment. This is my procedure which I learned from Goodyear.
1. Spray down the engine compartment with solvent and brush down areas that are excessively dirty.
2. Let sit for approximately 15 minutes, but that will depend on the instructions of the cleaner you use. Please read the instructions and follow carefully.
3. Power wash the entire engine with a pressure washer but don't apply direct pressure to any electrical components.
4. Wash down the front part of your car with regular clean water to get rid of any soap or residue immediately.
5. With an Air Hose, dry the whole engine compartment but be sure not to apply a lot of air pressure in the electrical areas.
6. Once completely dry, leave the hood up on a nice hot day and let the engine compartment completely dry, which depending on the outside temperature should take a few hours.
7. Start car, if the car misses a bit, most likely you have some water in the ignition wires.

I have never had a problem yet, touch wood.


Do so at your own risk.

The only car you shouldnt do is the new Vett for some reason they dont take pressure washing very well...

All i have ever used is a pressure washer and Spray Nine wet engine bay spray with spray nine rinse close hood wash car while still running then dress with none other then amoral.

if you are going to use a petroleum based solvent I highly stress you don't make sure all painted surfaces are wet this stuff eats clear coat like brake fluid.

i dont have a pic but 5 months later my bay looks the same as when i did it best part is now all i have to do i wipe it with a rag to clean it up

edit i just read the post one up.... NEVER DO THIS TO A CAR NOT RUNNING if there are underlying electrical issues you might not get it going again and when you are done washing close the hood and leave the car RUN.... wash the reast of the car dress engine bay while it is STILL running... close hood let bake 20 minutes open and enjoy.

Air hose to dry is a good tip, especially around the lower intake, water likes to hold in the vallies.

belt dressing is nice to have on hand in case they squeek

Yeah I always have a can of compressed air and my patented kit which includes 3 different kinds of engine degreaser, simple green, oxclean, toothbrushes, hair brushes, windex and a lot of paper towels.

if I'm not mistaken Hans that fuse box actually has 2 covers.

I've been cleaning engines for YEARS (longer than many of you have even existed on this great planet), and I've never done anything more than cover my exposed air filters.

On OLDER cars, I covered the distributor. On the bonnevilles, I only cover the filter, and I've never had any issues.

Just blast away.

i dont cover anything, i just make sure not to spray anything fragile, the air filter, or connectors directly with high pressure