Best way to clean engine compartment?

[69bronzeT5]

I'm taking my Mustang (it's a '90 5.0L for those who don't know) to a Mustang show next weekend and I really wouldn't mind opening my hood because it doesn't look bad at all. It has some eye candy under there however the engine compartment and motor are pretty dirty. What's the best way to clean it? I've heard numerous different ways but what do you guys think is the best? I've heard one way where you want to have the motor running to prevent water from going in the distributor and then another way where you want it off because the motor will get hot and the cold water can crack seals and whatever. What is truly the best way?

[FLG]

I always used some engine de-greaser and a hose or pressure washer...try to avoid getting on the electronics. You can also disconnect the battery and let it dry just to be safe (never cared much with the charger because of the lack of electronics). Its not the water that hurts the stuff as long as its let to dry your fine, its just when you add water to a part that has electric going to it that you let out the magic smoke.

[Drache]

Go to your local carwash, one that you pull into a bay and use those pressure washer guns. There should be an option for engine cleaning. It's water mixed with some sort of "cleaner" made for engines. Works like a hot damn. Just pop the hood and spray away. Let your car sit (so wash engine first then rest of the car) for abit before starting it (just incase 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

basically what this guy does....not too sure about the tire foam though

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Clean-Your-Engine-in-Ten-Minutes-158076990

[TUFCAT]

I found high pressure just blows that dirty grease around the engine compartment...and the engine gets much wetter than you want.

All that water gets forced into areas where water shouldn't go. So instead....

start with a cold engine, and use foamy engine degreaser in a can to soak greasy areas. You'll literally see grease and grime loosen and roll off like its melting... Let the dripping action work its magic for a while.  A garden hose with a spray nozzle is all you need at this point. Water should be directed to the gunky areas first then move onto the rest of the engine with finer spray.  

To protect the electrical components I use aluminum foil. Wrap and form it tight around components. Its easy to trim and acts like a shield. Its also very easy to remove.  

Take long drive and park the car in your driveway hot.....don't open the hood until its cooled off. Belts and plastic connectors need this extra heat to completely dry out.

Also make sure you bought a five gallon bucket of purple degreaser (or simple green ) for your driveway. Be prepared with a broom and lots of water to clean the mess left behind.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Also make sure you bought a five gallon bucket of purple degreaser (or simple green ) for your driveway. Be prepared with a broom and lots of water to clean the mess left behind.

Screw that!  I just nose the car into the street & let my neighbors deal with it!