It takes me about an hour to do the entire bay, but I spray Formula 409 degreaser on a few components, scrub it with a toothbrush (no need to get really detailed, so just wipe it in wide side-to-side motions), then run a gentle stream of water acorss it. I've never covered up any electrical components, and I don't really see a need to...rain sprays into the engine bay from underneath during normal driving, so a gentle mist from up top isn't going to hurt anything (as far as rust goes, if it was a problem, cars would rust after a year of ebing in the rain ).

 

Consistent preventive maintenance and cleaning is the only way. I wipe down by hand every reachable and visible area of the engine bay when I wash the car. Thus, it never gets dirty.

 

Rick, that's pretty damned anal! I do that as well!

 

Yes, Cedric, quite obsessive, I think

 

I'm on the side of those who use caution. The days of covering the carb with a plastic baggy and shooting it down at the local car wash is too high a risk in this electronic wizzard. I exagerate but for me hose spray, Simple Green, and aluminim foil are all too risky, what with all the areas for it to settle, etc. Simple Green is some strong stuff.

I've only had to wipped mine down a couple times in 8,000 miles -- frankly, it just doesn't get dirty (but it's a fair weather car for the most part for me) but if it did, I'd still approach cleaning it with caution.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick Hesel
[B]Consistent preventive maintenance and cleaning is the only way.

 

Actually, this engine bay stays as free of blown and washed up grime than any I've ever had. So it's easier to keep clean to begin with.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Wesmaster
[B]I'll have to check the brand of stuff I have at home, but I bought this stuff at Pep Boys that worked really well.

 

Tim,

This is the stuff I use:



It made everything look brand new.

 

!!!RED ALERT!!! Please read the fine print on that jug of 409! It probably says something to the effect, "Not recommended for aluminum". 409 is corrosive to aluminum. This may be apparent only as a slight discoloration, but if it's allowed to get into crevices etc. it can cause problems.

Simple Green also promotes corrosion on aluminum according to Air Force tests . . . but it's not quite so bad as 409.