Help on cleaning under the hood
 

I am about to go ahead and clean under the hood. What can I clean? Is there any parts I can not clean? Can I hose the whole thing down with water or is there any specific cleaning products you guys recommend?

Usually just get it done at the car wash but this I would like to do myself since I will be in there changing parts.

Thank you all

Darshan

Thanks for the direction!

I just keep the engine running, and make sure not to use direct blasts of water near major engine electrical (MAF, alternator, back of headlights, coilpack area)

Spray down liberally with Simple green or equivalent, rinse off, and use dressing of choice. I use Adam's in and out spray

Any theory behind leaving the engine running?

I have noticed on multiple threads to use Simple green rather than hosing it down. I guess I don't know exactly where those parts are; I have to get a diagram to be safe. In the meantime i'll do it with simple stuff like the block and all and get around those areas first. There isn't so much grease mainly dirt but I have a coolant leak which has left a mess around the areas of the hoses.

in theory i just do it so in case something were to get flooded with too much water in one spot maybe you could hear the engine "hiccup" and get the hose onto a different spot?


To be honest I never really thought of why I do it, but I have been cleaning engines with them running for almost 10 years now lol, no harm yet.