Do you guys cover anything in the engine bay when you wash/detail the engine bay? Specifically what do you cover?

 

I cover up the alternator and battery. But I've seen many videos where they don't cover anything and pressure washer everything under the hood without causing any problems.

AmmoNYC has a video on engine bay cleaning. Starts at 3:50.

 

I don't cover anything at all. I use a pressure washer so that helps reduce flooding in the engine bay.

 

Do you take care to avoid any specific areas with the pressure washer?

 

https://youtu.be/PRSoRkM8GcM

 

All things automotive, in designing and engineering for the engine compartment of cars, it is a given that things get wet from soaked roads, rain spray, and direct water. That does not mean the car can go scuba diving but it can get "somewhat" wet. However, it makes sense not to tempt fate.

I do cover certain electrical items with aluminum foil or plastic wrap (what ever my wife says is okay) such as the alternator, fuse boxes and exposed electrical connections. I also direct spray away from electrical connections.

 

I try not to soak the electrical components (battery, alternator, etc) but other than that, spray away. Don't go bananas and use a 15 degree tip with a 3200psi pressure washer. lol.

The bulk of the cleaning should be done with a brush and cleaning solution if your engine bay is really dirty.

 

What cleaning solution do you use?

 

I don't cover up anything either. I've done it dozens of times without any issues. I do usually try to go a little lighter around the spark plug cover, and a little less direct on battery and alternator. They still get plenty wet just not much direct pressure.

 

I use Meguiars all purpose cleaner. In reality, most solutions will work because all I'm doing is breaking up dirt buildup. If my engine bay was caked in oil/grease, I opt for Dawn dishwashing soap.