I got a few questions. I just opened up the hood to my g yesterday and noticed a large amount of road salt all over the engine bay, specially on the engine cover where it says VVEL. And a whole bunch of grease and other crap. I was wanting to know the best way to clean it? I know your not suppose to spray the engine cause you can f*** up the wiring and ****t. Do I use some kind of degreaser? Oh and after cleaning, is there any type of engine dressing I should use? My friend used this engine dressing, but after driving all it does is attract more dirt to everything. Any recommendations guys? Oh and what kind of dressing/protection do you guys offer for exterior trim? I also heard that it's best to lubricate door rubbers with pretroleum jelly to prevent the rubber from cracking, is this true?

 

Yes sir, you most certainly can spray down your engine. I've done it. About 4 times now.

Here's my engine detailing process. First of all, it is very important to make sure your engine is completely cool before you start cleaning it. If it has grime or excessive dirt, I use Optimum Power Clean. You should dilute this stuff per the directions because it is really strong. And it lasts much longer that way. I let it sit for just a couple of minutes. Then I spray the entire engine bay down with water. Not a pressure washer, just a regular hose. The whole thing. I wipe it all down with a towel to get all the excess water I can off of everything. I let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes for the water to dry. Expedite this with a blower if you have one. Then I spray 303 Protectant on everything plastic and rubber; pretty much the entire engine bay. I let it sit for about 10 minutes then wipe off the excess. Done.

EDIT: Found a thread with photos of the first time I did it this way. I used 303 Cleaner the first time but the Power Clean cuts through grime like you have much better.

 

I remember back when I had a 91 G20 and washed the engine bay. Car was running on 3 cylinders after. The plugs where a straight vertical install and some water got down into the plug area and shorted out a wire.

So be careful.

When doing details I usually wipedown the engine area with QEW or ONR.

 

You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays or water.

These include;
•Alternator
•Alarm Housing
•Intercooler
•Battery terminals (if not covered already)
•Induction kit cone (if you have one)
•Coil packs
•Intake opening (Ziplock bag)

Tin foil is a better alternative to using cling-film for the alternator, alarm housing etc as it is easier to mold and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.

For more information see article "Engine bay Detailing" in the detailing school section of Detailing Bliss forum...

 

Let me clarify in case people don't understand what I consider to be common knowledge. I don't spray water directly into the alternator. I don't open the battery compartment and spray directly onto the battery. I avoid directly spraying the MAF sensors but didn't find a need to cover them with anything. The intake is completely closed and there's no way water should enter it from spraying from the top. That's it. Cover what you will but I am only passing along my experience on this particular car.