[FONT=Verdana]Looking at all the clean and shiny engines out there makes me wonder how you guys do it.

Do you just get under the hood with a cloth, or are you using some cleaners and/or chemicals?

I use my shop vac with a soft brissle dusting brush on it to clean the grit and dust that is accessible then I take my air compressor hose with a jet tip on it and blow all the areas the vac doesn't get. I then go back over with the vac to pick up any debris brought out by the air hose. It you have fluids getting out that should be addressed immediately. Thankfully I don't, but my '02 has only 8500 miles. I am not one who sprays water under my hood. I may take a damp rag under there but certainly not a water hose.

I am sure you will find some that disagree, but I never spray and liquid under the hood. Use air and wipe down only.

I clean the engine compartment after I wash and wax the car. I also use damp terry towel and use a paint brush (sponge) hard to reach area.

I use a rag with some "Aerospace 303" (similar to Armorall but not as greasy) and an air compressor. If you maintain it, you won't need to use water.

Don't forget the hood seal mod, helps with the up keep.

Check out the latest Corvette Fever mag. There's an article on cleaning the engine compartment of a C5.