I am try to fine the best way to clean my engine. I have never done this before. But I was changing my headlights recently and notice a lot of dirt and dusk under the hood. My car was in the body for 2 mths so I just that'* where it came from. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way I can do this myself? Thanks. Holla back...........

if its the greasy kind of dirty, just get a can of Gunk, or similar engine degreaser and spray it all over. then hose it off. thats what i do when ever i hae the car up in the air.
And as anyone knows, once the car is clean (including engine bay) it goes much faster

That'* what I use when it gets bad, but I spot clean with simple green, too. As long as your engine is cold, you can spray simple green, let it sit for 30 minutes or so, then brush with a toilet brush. Gets into all the nooks and crannies.

Rinse with a hose after that.

what about, say, Dawn? Thats good for grease.

Didn't someone use thost Armor All Purple Wipes?

I tried them on a bit of my engine and it works great.

That'* Great, But what do I need to cover up before I go in there with a hose an a mission to clean da hell out of the 3800 II. Don't want to short anything out. Holla back......

You don't really have to worry about covering anything other than an exposed cone on your intake if you have one. If you have the stock airbox, you're cool. All connectors have waterproof boots, and you have a DIS ignition.

Just don't concentrate a high pressure spray in an area with a connector. A gentle rinse is best, with high pressure restricted to any grease buildup away from electrical connectors.

I don't cover anything, and clean my engine this way 3-4 times a year. Plastic sack over the intake filter, and nothing else.

would dishwashing soap and a scrub brush work? (thinkin cheap)

Not if you have a wife like mine
"You used my soap for WHAT!"

You think that'* bad? Try explaining to your mom why your car has PVC and dryer duct all thru the front bumper area....