The best way to clean the engine bay?

As the title says, I want to ask your opinion on what's the best method to go about cleaning the engine bay?Now that winter will soon be over, I can see fine powder of salt and dirt all over the engine area. A friend was talking about a "steamer" or something, but I want to hear get 2nd opinion first before doing anything. Thanks

On my Cavalier, I just covered the alternator and battery with a plastic bag and took the hose to it.

That is a bad BAD idea.
 
I always used a rag and WD40, I know it sounds ghetto, but it stops salt damage, prevents grime buildup, and leaves a shine. The only thing I would warn against, is getting it on the Timing Belt.. .and thats under a cover.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sebba

That is a bad BAD idea.

I always used a rag and WD40, I know it sounds ghetto, but it stops salt damage, prevents grime buildup, and leaves a shine. The only thing I would warn against, is getting it on the Timing Belt.. .and thats under a cover.

how is washing the engine with a hose any different then driving in the rain? Just don't use a pressureized hose.

Because the engine bay doesnt get soaked. Almost nothing, with the exception of a few drops get in the engine bay.

just go to yahoo.com and type "clean engine bay"

http://www.guidetodetailing.com/articles.php?articleId=25

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides_engine.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2046215_detail-engine-bay.html?ref=fuel


These sources are pretty credible. They all say to spray degreaser and hose it down.

I wouldnt recomend spraying degreaser because when you are dealing with a lot of salt on the roads, grease is the only thing that protects from it.
 
I say its a bad idea.

I'm with Sebba on this one...I wouldn't directly spray the engine bay.  I have read horror stories about the so-called "steam treatment" and even know a couple of detail shops that were sued because of it.  I can't say i have personal experience with it, but there is enough negative info out there for me to be leary of it.  And anything that could cause issues with the warranty are always bad, so why take the chance.
 
I've always used a rag, a soft brush and my favorite non-corrosive/abrasive cleaner to the get gunk and grime off.  Then I wipe the metal hood parts and plastic engine covers with a rag and (multi-purpose) polymer wax to keep the dust from building up so bad.  Once a month and it stays pretty clean.

I'd go with the rag as well.

Thanks for all the tips.  I know there's something fishy about that steam thing. :) Good thing I asked.