Cleaning the engine

[L84THSKY]

Just got my car recently. The previous owner (female) keep the interior and exterior in excellent shape. When I pop the hood, it looks like the car when through the dirtiest dust storm ever. Everything under the hood is covered with a dirt film. What is the safest and best way to clean the engine compartment?

Is it harmful to any components to steam clean under the hood?

Thanks
Eric

[Jeff Spooner]

DO NOT STEAM CLEAN ANY BMW ENGINE BUILT AFTER 1980. Use a degreaser and soft water pressure. there are a lot of plastic parts a pressure washer can break.

[robcarync]

http://www.apexcone.com/JimPowellHomepage/TechProcedures/EngineBayCleaning/ArmorAll.html

may help?

[tipsyaj]

Are there any parts under the hood that can't get wet ? I mean, can you just go to work in there with no worries ? I've got an air compressor I wanted to use under the hood, thought I'd try to blow everything off with air and the use the hose to lightly spray it down. Anything I should worry about ?

[motorsport]

try avoiding the intake, you dont want to suck water into your motor