engine cleanup any ideas?

Sunday 3 of 4

Yea! Engine Clean! Mine Looks Like A mud hole. I dun't care about stickers Mine will be driven to a show, but not entered. But I would like to be able to pop the hood and not be to embarrassed.

You should also consider using Gunk's Engine Brite and a couple of throw away tooth brushes to start then progress as needed

Yeah, I've been thinking of an engine clean up too.  Probably start with Gunk's, Simple Green, old toothbrushes, and other brushes as needed.  Problem will be where to stop.  Probably end up being "Well while I'm here, might as well do this too"  type of thing.

Gunk engine brite, the jell variety in spray can is great, let it sit for about 10 minutes and a good stream from an ordinary garden hose will peel off years of "stuff".

Simple Green removes a lot of dirt, I also like to use a mix of Dawn detergent and water or some 303 as a degreaser.  It all works better if you let it soak in for awhile after spraying.  Some small detail brushes, even paintbrushes or those foam popsicles are going for removing dirt and grime.  You're right about a steam cleaner destoying stickers and such. Resist the urge to use a pressure washer under there, a regular garden hose nozzle with a "shower" setting is all I ever use underhood.  There's a product called Sonus Engine Kote that I'm anxious to try, supposed to be a "spray on, walk away" engine detail product.  Let me if you know if you have any specific questions!

Also,

     Castrol makes a degreaser/cleaner that works very well.  I mix it 50/50 with water for cleaning under the hood and use old tooth brushes or a small paint brush.  For heavy gunked up parts, I soak them in the cleaner for 20 to 30 minutes.  Be careful, this cleaner will take the paint off if you do not dilute with water or if you leave it on or soak too long. 

The Castrol product works very well. I would not use a steam cleaner or high pressure. Too much chance of introducing water into places you would rather avoid.
Scott