I have heard of some detaling shops steam cleaning the engine... and on one of the infomertials I saw a steam cleaner cleaning grease off of an oven....

I don't know where I'm going with that one :?

My engine is almost spotless and I do everything by hand. Wire brushes, armorall wipes, paper towels..that'* all I use. Well, and some paint too

I usually go to my local detailing shop where they steam clean the engine compartment for about 30-40 bucks.
After all the grease is removed I can keep it looking good for a few weeks with water, rags and elbo grease.

I clean mine twice a year. Gunk engine foamy brite, and a garden hose. The only thing I remove is my CAI and K&N filter. I don't cover anything. I also remove my SC cover and wash it seperately with soapy water and an old bath brush.

I've never had any electrical problems caused by water.

me neither...and i've used a pressure washer before! (probably not recommended by many though)!

I need to get this done...but since it hasn't been detailed in it'* ten years of existance, I'm gonna pay someone to do it for me .

I have found that the two best products to use when detailing my engine is a high concentrate of Orange Glow to water and a little bit of Armor All for shine. I haven't accually soaked my engine in the Orange stuff, but I think I will probably so it this spring. I'm in Indiana and you can never tell what the weather will do. The orange stuff is also the best thing I have found to clean your wheels. I spray it on liberally and let if soak for a few minutes (not letting it dry) and the spray it off with the hose depending on how dirty they are I sometimes use a rag.

So it'* OK to get mostly everything wet?

I've been told by my mechanic that as an extra bonus if the engine is cleaned regularly it'* easier to identify leaks.
Example: you notice a sudden increase in the amount of grease under the hood - possible oil leak.
Just something to keep in mind

I haven't had a problem. I take it to the car wash and let 'er rip. I don't cover anything. Have never had a problem.

I keep it clean, but I'm not obsessed. I do have to drive it.

ken