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Just be very careful where you get the water. I washed my engine once and bought a new alternator as a result. There are lots of parts that have issues with water in the engine bay.
Power Washers should not be used, I use hose pressure or slightly boosted hose pressure. Any pressure and it will get into places water is not supposed to be and make new issues for you.
I'm lazy. And I'm impatient. So I want results and I want 'em FAST.
I hit the thing with a pressure washer, and I do it with the pressure as high as my machine will give it out. If necessary, I use some simple green or some facsimile thereof, but honestly the power washer gets it DONE. FAST. I towel dry to fend off spotting...."Armorall" optional on the plastic (I don't use it).
If you have corroded/darkened aluminum, use an etching aluminum cleaner. I use "Eagle 1 Etching wheel cleaner". It eats off the outer skin of aluminum, revealing a as-cast looking surface. And...it's FAST/EASY. How well does it work? Look HERE for one example.
More right HERE, TOO
I'm lazy. And I'm impatient. So I want results and I want 'em FAST.
I hit the thing with a pressure washer, and I do it with the pressure as high as my machine will give it out. If necessary, I use some simple green or some facsimile thereof, but honestly the power washer gets it DONE. FAST. I towel dry to fend off spotting...."Armorall" optional on the plastic (I don't use it).
If you have corroded/darkened aluminum, use an etching aluminum cleaner. I use "Eagle 1 Etching wheel cleaner". It eats off the outer skin of aluminum, revealing a as-cast looking surface. And...it's FAST/EASY. How well does it work? Look HERE for one example.
More right HERE, TOO
Lots of good suggestions. Let me add my .02.... In my experience, you wont ever get ALL of the grime off is one pass. It takes a combination of different chemicals, brushes, cloths, abrasives etc. to get a professional result. Take it in steps and a little at a time. It takes me about 3 to 4 months of many trips to the garage. I am fortunate enough to have a lift to work on which really makes it easier to get everywhere you need to. I like doing the underside and all of the engine front to back, top to bottom. Once everything is totally de-greased and clean, you can break out the spray paint and start touching up where needed.
In my experience, you wont ever get ALL of the grime off is one pass. It takes a combination of different chemicals, brushes, cloths, abrasives etc. to get a professional result. Take it in steps and a little at a time. It takes me about 3 to 4 months of many trips to the garage.
With a pressure washer, it takes less than an hour.
You're engine bay looks fantastic...but I don't see how it's any better than mine.
