How to Clean a Car Engine??

Whats the best way to clean an engine..?? The exterior i'm talking about..

Toothbrush and brakecleaner...

strong psi powerjet water hose..

normal garden hose/w pressurized handle with soap??

Drive to car grooming company.

Part with dollars.

Go to the movies/long lunch/whatever.

how dirty is it??

i ussally let the motor cool down
cover some of electronics and intakewith plastic grocery bags
spray on some simple green
wait a few min and hose it of
it works for me but then again i dont let the motor get really to dirty caked on dirt make require a stiff brush

I usually take the head off and soak it in Metholated spirits for a few hours, while this is being done I clean off the top of the pistons and most of the cylinders with a dusty rag (anything will do, I find more dirt helps clean the pistons), then put the car in gear and roll it for a bit, then get to the rest. Take this opportunity to hose down the block with a high pressure hose and then turn the vacuum cleaner to reverse and blow it all off. A bit of dust gets into the block but shouldn't hurt it. Replace the head with a ring spanner (my uncle always says torque wrenches are a matter of interpretation) fire her up and go for a cruise.

Clean with this method at your own risk.

Jonno takes no rsponsibility for damage to your engine and/or property after cleaning your engine like this. If you are stupid enough to do this, then please stuff potatoes in your exhaust, water in your fuel tank and take the oil cap, filter and drain plug out and fire it up.

:evillol:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/116855engine_degreasing_and_reconditioning.jpgEngi ne degreaser and sodium metasilicate degreaser sprays and covering relays and fuse boxes is a good idea with the bags. It doesnt matter if the engines hot it actually makes it easier to clean it with the pressure washer. Dont spray spark plug boots to close or you may get water in it and cause rough idles and misses.

Pro steam cleaning is the best way to go, most detail shops will charge under $50.00.

go to a pep boys and buy a cleaner called "gunk" spray that into ur engien bay avoiding intake boxes spark plugs and wires. let it sit for a few minutes and prefferably wash it off with high pressure and high heat

Gunk is an excellent engine degreser. If you wanna save some money you could use cheap oven cleaner works just as well and some of them have a lemon smell. Theres alot of ways to clean it , 50 bucks is way too much money and engine shampoo should only cost 20 bucks max (degreser and labour) then you can use a water based vinyl shine to dress it after they shampoo it , this is how I get a glossy look.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/116855apply_vinyl_protectant_excessively-med.jpg

This is a close up of the truck engine after the vinyl dressing evaporated , this engine has 160,000 hard working miles on it and it looks brand new now. It will be easier to clean for years to come and also will help find leaks easier and what not.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/1168557_year_old_engine_160_000_miles_looks_new.jp g

Here is my method!

Start with Cool Engine
Cover vital electrics (I recommend this for newbie’s, but I admit I rarely do it..All these years and I've never fried a alternator or wrecked and engine) (just be very aware of where you are spraying water/degreaser)
Spray a diluted 50/50 mix of Simple Green/Water
Let soak for a few minutes
Brush loose heavier debris and grease
Start Engine
Rinse Well
Run engine for about 5 minutes to generate heat to aid drying
Turn Off Engine
Wipe up any excess and accessible water (Be sure not to burn yourself)
Spray a light mist of Poorboy's Trim Restore or Meguiar's #40
Wipe off excess
Run Engine for a few more minutes to help dry.

Viola:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/572000-572999/572516_8_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/572000-572999/572516_9_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/572000-572999/572516_32_full.jpg

Engine Detailing (http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?autopia+s4642p+inf-engine.html )

This is a great tutotrial on how to clean and detail your engine. It gives step by step instructions with pictures. I have used the guide to do my engine, and it works wonderfully. Best of luck