Engine compartment cleaning

[Gross Scruggs <GScruggs@wposmtp.nps.navy.mil>]

Haudi,  comments ranging from "don't do it" to "I do it all the time" have
prompted me to contribute.  I've cleaned the engine compartment of every car
I've ever owned.  I'm sure there is an array of commercial cleaners that work
well.  I've heard of some using oven cleaners with success, and also heard of
some having to replace all the wiring in the compartment after using an oven
cleaner.  Lately I've been using an Amsoil product called Power Foam that sprays
on, and no surprise, foams up then washes off with a hose. 

Don't intentionally hose down the electrical stuff: alternator, starter,
computer, distibutor, fuse/relay holders.  Like giving a bath to a cat you just
don't know how it'll end... or how much blood loss there will be.  

The key to a successful clean-up is... WD-40 and silicon spray.  WD-40 is widely
used as a lubricant, and although it has some lube capability this is not the
function for which it was designed.  WD stands for 'water displacing.'  40
indicates there were 39 previous attempts.  With your engine now clean and
dripping wet, arm yourself with WD-40 and spray everything you don't want water
to stay on.  I spray silicon on all the hoses and wiring as it tends to displace
the WD-40 and is better for it anyway.  WD-40 also gobbles up that white
corrosion that occurs on aluminum and some steel parts.

Once upon cleaning the compartment of my departed '87 Camry the gas milage
dropped in half.  Suspicious that some signal wasn't getting to the computer, I
removed every electrical plug and connector and sprayed both ends with WD-40. 
Mileage restored.

On the negative side... it leaves a slight film on everything which does tend to
attract dust/dirt.

On the positive side... the smell is glorious when you start the engine.  With
everything clean you can see the things you need to fix.

On the negative side... with everything clean you can see the things you need to
fix.  

Regards,  Gross