What's the best way to clean the engine compartment?

[markopolo]

What's the best way to clean the engine compartment?

Mine needs a good cleaning. My last 3500 mile trip seemed to push road grime into every crevice.

[renrut]

I'm not sure what it was called but Canadian Tire use to sell an engine cleaner in a spray can. You sprayed the entire engine compartments and let it sit for a specified time. Once the time was passed, you rinsed it with the the hose. Worked something like an oven cleaner. I did this on an old Dodge truck I had. It cleaned up the engine compartment quite well. Unfortunately, I can't think of the name of the product.

You could also go to a car wash and use a high pressure hose. Just try not to spray any seals or electrical areas.

[Barman]

You can go to your local auto parts store, or even Wal-marts automotive department and get cans of engine cleaner spray foam. They really work very well, and you can spray the engine and the compartment area when the engine is hot. Let sit a few minutes, and hose off. It won't hurt electrical stuff to get wet, but I wouldn't drown the electrical stuff either. I do it with a pressure washer after foaming it good with the spray can, but if you don't have a pressure washer go to the hand wand places and do it there.

[markopolo]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try that. I've seen local used car dealers doing the same thing at wand wash places.