clean engine compartment

I need to clean my engine. I bought my rodeo LS from my brother and he did quite a bit of 4wheeling in it. So i need to clean dirt/oil/ect. off the engine. so my question is, how do i do it safely without damaging electrical components, ect.?

I just take mine to the car wash and power wash it. I've done it with all my vehicles and never hurt anything. Some Gunk spray degreaser will help with the oily spots.

I do mine with a garden hose - I will NOT use a power sprayer, too much force, IMHO.

Spray it down with slightly diluted Simple Green, may take a couple washings - and I would NOT add cool/cold water to a hot engine, i.e. do it 1st thing in the morning, or after it's sat for a while.

Biggest thing is to make sure you spray out the radiator as best you can, mud, debris, etc will plug it up and cause an overheating issue.

I agree with Gizmo42, degreaser and a car wash pressure washer. I do this after every oil change on all my cars, and have never had a problem with damaged parts from too much pressure.

If it's really dirty, wet it down. Soak it with simple green or even a dollar store spray bottle degreaser (they work well too), let it set for a few minutes and rise it. Stubborn spots may take a scrub brush, rag and some elbow grease. I use the leftover wash water and rinse my engine compartments after (almost) every wash. They look brand spanking new under the hood.

Joel