What is the best way to clean the engine and engine compartment? Is it safe to use high pressure water? What chemicals are acceptable?

I use high pressure and just keep it 2'-3' back. Here's a thread on it that was just started the other day.

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10158

I clean my engine bay about every 2 months.

On the inside of the hood and painted surfaces I use car soap and sponge with a variety of brushes to hit all the nooks and cranneys.
For the motor itself....stay away from high pressure. You can really damage a wire harness or electrical component.

What I do is cover the alternator with a plastic grocery bag...not absolutely necessary...its is just best so you dont have to be as careful. Just dont spray a steady stream for 2 min on the alt and youll be ok.

I like to use chemicals to cut the grease....gunk is decent as well as a product called cd2....basically any engine degreaser. I use these degreasers for meatal parts only....air intake....battery...etc; i use car wash soap. degreasers can discolor all the black trim in the bay.

As i am cleaning I like to use low pressure water from the hose with the nozzle removed. just to make sure I dont force water into somewhere its not supposed to be. After its all rinsed off and dripped dry i start her up and let the heat of the motor dry her off the rest of the way.

There are also many products that detail the bay when you are finished cleaning. Not only do these make it pop...but they also make it alot easier to clean next time around.

hope this helps
Rob

Simple Green and your garden hose.

Thanks guys,,,now I just need to wait on it to get above freezing. Brrrrr....