Like noted, what is the best way to clean all the grease and oil from the engine bay?

 

I use an inexpensive pressure cleaner from Harbor Freight.
http://harborfreight.com/ Right now it's on sale for $80. Hook up a hose, plug it in and clean away. That price is the paper catalog sale price and there is a choice on the left menu to order from the catalog. I use it to clean dirt and mud out of every nook & cranny from the chassis and bumpers. I blast off grease and crud from the tranny, suspension and differentials. The part # is 45802-3UWH.

I spray the places to be cleaned with degreaser, being careful not to get it on wires, tape, or other sensitive components. Might go back in 15 minutes and give it another shot of degreaser. Use a 'parts brush' to loosen heavy deposits. The degreaser doesn't work well once it hits water.
From the engine bay I start pressure cleaning from the lowest places I can see and work my way up, including the inner fender skirts and top of the bell housing. No direct spray on anything electrical. Wear eye protection.
First time usually doesn't get all the crud off. I might follow that up with a small bucket with Dawn dishwashing liquid and a brush and rag. I use that to clean off the degreaser residue and smell.

The biggest problem I've experienced is if condensation forms inside the distributor cap. This usually happens after you start it and the water beging to evaporate and you shut the engine off too soon while the water is still steaming.

 

thanks guys

 

Simple Green and a scrub brush

 

I've used Purple power from Wal-Mart. Just dilute it in a spray bottle, and spray it where you need it. Avoid electrical thing, and wires. Let it sit a few minutes, and spray down with the water hose.
Watch the grime run away lol.

 

My question has always been where to do such a degreasing. To use Mozart80's phrase, "Watch the grime run away" to where? Don't want the greasy grime on my lawn (Hard enough to keep it green as it is). Don't want to leave the greasy grime sitting on my driveway to get washed into the storm drain and into the river's and streams. I've heard DIY car wash places don't want greasy grime in their water because they don't treat for it. And don't want to pay someone to do it for me. Where do the rest of you wash a greasy engine?

 

The simple answer is: Just do it wherever you want, or don't do it. That tiny bit of grime isn't going to poison the planet.

 

I do mine at the car wash. Better pressure and they can't contaminate. So you know it is tree hugger friendly.

 

yeah just go to a quarter wash