cleaning engine bay

[balactm]

so i got a LOT of oil in my engine bay and would like to clean it without taking everything out. my friend who works at Toyota claims you can powerwash everything while it's in there without damaging anything. is this true? if not, what is the easiest way to get this clean?

[Mike]

if you cover wires and such, power washing is fine.

[premiershine9]

I've done at least 60 motors and never had one problem by doing:
1) Make sure the motor is cool or bone cold
2) saran wrap all connections/ electronic parts- DO cover the alternator!!! Thats the most important area
3) I layer my saran wrapped areas with heavy duty foil
4) spray your selected degreaser- zep citrus, simple green, purple power, optimum power clean etc.
5) let stand and break down grime
6) agitate with brush
7) rinse- repeat if necessary
8) If you have a air compressor with a wand attatchment you can use to blow out cracks and crevices after removing the foil/ saran thats even better
9) I wait at least a half hour with the hood open before starting it again- If you did get any water in a connection then upon starting you may have a short or cause some serious electrical problems

Finally dress the plastic with whatever dressing you choose
Hope this helps
Dan K.