What is the best method to clean the engine and engine bay?
Car Wash Spray, Gunk, Problems, cautions?

PLMK

2000 Expedition

 

I like to do it on a sunny summer day. It helps if the engine is warm. Disconnect the battery and protect the electrical components. Use a low pressure degreaser in a hand spray bottle and rinse with a light spray from the hose nozzle. Blow out any areas of accumulated water, particularly areas with secondary voltage,ie., spark plugs, coils (especially COP's), ignition wires (if applicable).

Then let it sit in the sun with the hood up for as long as possible before reconnecting the battery. The main thing you need to avoid is getting/leaving water where it can short things out. That's why I would stay away from any high pressure, even though it makes it harder to do a real thorough job. I would accept that you may not be able to eat off your engine!

PS: After disconnecting your battery, the engine may run funny for a while until the computer re-learns its parameters. Don't let this concern you; it'll be OK shortly.

 

Ooohhh, I am not sure I would spray water on my engine. Just not a fan of getting that much water around all of the electronic components that make up our engines nowadays. If you must, good luck and seal off everything you can.