engine bay cleaning

[vr4choke]

so my engine bay is pretty dirty right. if i were to go to one of those quarter operated car washes, i could cover all the electrical stuff (distributor, alternator, etc.) with like plastic bags or something and use the hose to spray everything down without damaging anything, correct?

[Stealthee]

Even with everything covered there is still a chance something will get wet.

I had everything covered on my car and it still got something wet and the car had no power whatsoever until it dried out.

Also if your car is a VR4 you dont have a distributor, you have a coil pack.

[vr4choke]

coil pack? im not familiar with that? what is it? and also, if you cant use that method, then how do you clean everything up?

[VR43000GT]

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I believe the only 3/S's that have distributors are SOHC's. Otherwise, all DOHC's have coil packs regardless if it is N/A or TT. A coil pack is basically does the job of a distributor. Basically what is used now in place of distributors (newer technology).

[Stealthee]

Yes SOHC is the only one with a distributor.

Coil packs are distributorless ignitions.

On distributors there is a shaft that is turned along with the motor that has a rotor button that gives each cylinder spark as it passes it. With coil packs it relies on sensors to tell them when to fire.

[Girly VR-4]

Cover your battery and intake (if it's an open air intake) Use some GUNK engine degreaser/cleaner, spray it over everything (make sure the engine bay is COLD), scrub it where it needs it, and use a regular garden hose to GENTLY wash it off.

Your engine bay will be fine. Just dry everything off really well before you turn the car back on, and let it sit and air dry for a few hours.