I always cover the fuse box, the filter on my RAI, and Alternator. Don't use anything that is high pressure when washing it. I don't use engine cleaner either. I use a little dishwashing soap and a rag.
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1995 Mustang GT-Heavily Modded-Sold 2003 Ford Lightning-Sold 1997 Saleen-5.4 conversion-Sold 2005 Mustang GT-Torch Red-Sold 2003 Mustang Cobra-Oxford White 2003 4Runner V8 Sport Edition 4X4
If not too dirty best to just use some simple green or orange stuff and do by hand. Steam and high pressure bad for anything electronic.
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2008 V6 Deluxe Convertible, Torch Red/Parchment top and interior, 5-speed manual, Exterior Sport Appearance Package
Mods:
K&N 63 Aircharger Cold Air Intake, JBA Evol Axle-Back Exhaust, Hurst Competition/Plus Short Throw Shifter,
Ford Racing Performance Parts front strut brace,
Ford Racing Performance Parts rear lowering springs,
GT Vert rear anti-sway bar
dude cover everything up with tin foil ( battery , anything electical, etc.) and use GUNK engine spray then just hose it off...easiest way to clean (works the best)and wont break your back using a rag... sorry about the bold print....haha..
I dont cover anything other than air filter if CAI installed. Spray simple green & use a soft bristle brush to knock dirt loose. Long handle parts washer brushes are great for tight spots. Use a cup to dip clean water out of a bucket & pour over to rinse. Compressed air from a 2 or 3 foot distance gets most of the excess water off. Remember the engine compartment gets hit with 70 mph air & water just driving in a downpour but keep pressure washers & steam cleaners away from it.
FOR GODS SAKE....DONT COVER YOUR BATTERY OR ELECTRICAL PARTS WITH FOIL !!
Sorry Cobras55....Im not yelling at you, tin foil is a conductor of electricity & thats just an electrical dead short if you connect the terminals.....BTW...nice looking GT
The tin foil is a good trick for masking irregular shaped parts when painting things but keep it away from electricity. If you want to cover things use plastic WalMart bags & clothes pins.
I Usually Go to car wash & open my hood && spray Gunk engine cleaner i let it sit for a while spray once more again and covery my Fuse Box and Air Filter, And start spraying high pressure soap water and then rinse it with high pressure water.
I have done this to a lot of cars and never had a problem doing it and looks 100X's better! some car wash's have engine degreeser in their selection. spray it and then high pressure water. if not autozone will have some.
alls i use is simple greand and a rag. but i think im try what the guy above said, using simple grean and then some water to rinse off and then a compressor to air dry it but very lightly. that sounds good!
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All Motor-281ci tuned by JJ at Woodbine MotorSports.
The compressed air trick is great for all the jambs, around the windows & especially the rear view mirrors. Dont forget to blow the water off your wheels too...
I Am Going With The Drive IN Coin Wash High Pressure Thing, I Have Allways Used It On My Cars And Never Had Any Trouble Just Cover Your Cai Or Whatever Intake You have, Then Spray With The Engine Cleaner And Rinse With Pressure...DONT! Hold The High Pressure Right Next To The dang Thing....Keep It back A Few Feet Enough To Give It Some Pressure But Not Close Enough To Turn It Into A Water Injected Motor.....The Key Thing To Remember While Doing This..... LEAVE YOUR MOTOR RUNNING!!!!. The Pressure In the Motor Will Give It A touch Of Water Resistence And Not Just Let Water Trickle In. And The Heat Will Give You And The Motor A Nice Steam Clean Like Your At The Spa...And Voila! Your Happy And Your Cars Happy. *Disclaimer* The First Time I Did This On My Dads Mazda When i Was A young Lad I Did Water Log The Motor Some And it Took An Hour Before It Started Again So Use Common Sense....If You Feel Uncomfortable doing This Or Thing You Might Break Something....DONT Do It And Dont Come Looking For Me If Something Happends. LoL.......Nah You should Be Fine Fords Are Indestructable Anyway.
The compressed air trick is great for all the jambs, around the windows & especially the rear view mirrors. Dont forget to blow the water off your wheels too...
Yeha i sue the compressor for the upper and lower grills. Mine hold water after i wash it like a B**CH! lol
While im in here, what would you recomand to clean powdercoated valve covers... Ive been using a Spray&shine for them. Its like a spray wax.
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All Motor-281ci tuned by JJ at Woodbine MotorSports.
I blow the water out of the grille & fog lights too. I pretty much blow the water out of the crevices after
I Waterblade the car followed by a wipedown with my Absorber then I use quick detailer or regular Pledge (not scented)...Dont laugh, it repels dust & leaves a nice shine. This is a trick I picked up from the indoor car show, Autorama guys over 20 years ago that WORKS...
I usually use non amonia window cleaner to wipe off water spots on my older set of wheels that are powdercoated followed by quick detailer which leaves a nice coat of wax behind. This trick would probably work for well for your valve covers too provided the engine is cool.
dude cover everything up with tin foil ( battery , anything electical, etc.) and use GUNK engine spray then just hose it off...easiest way to clean (works the best)and wont break your back using a rag... sorry about the bold print....haha..
i dont think you want to lay alum foil on the battery water wont hurt the battery. if you have the padded cover around your battery, a car wash hose will tear it up. its kinda useless anyway.
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goina hundred in a 55, and i dont know why..
some things were just meant to be..
05 V6 auto, torch red, basic, a few mods
06 V6 stick, vista, premium (g/f`s car)
i recommend lightly put water on some of the engine compenents not the electrical stuff and use a towel to wipe off all the dirt you can in every little nook and cranny. what i use to make my engine bay look brand new with out it looking too wet or anything is the CD2 Engine Detailer. i get mine from a website called pakshak.com its just about 10 bucks and lasts for a while. havent had any problems with it just follow the instructions and your engine bay will soon just shine.
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05 mustang premium v6 manual performance-dual catback flowmaster super 40's jba headers, eibach sportline springs, tockico d-spec shocks struts, eibach sway bars f/r, other mods, ccfl halos, 6k hid, smoked out, sequential taillights, roush spoiler, carbon fiber wrapped interior trim
i guess i have been luck all these years!? i just spray the entire engine down with foaming engine brite #feb1,[engine cold] let it sit a few minutes,then spray it off with a garden hose!i never cover anything,i dont blast water in the alt.,or fuse box area.but it does get wet,then i take a bit towel and dry off best i can,take the car for a ride to heat up,and thats it.
just dont cover your battery with tin foil! thats a foolish move
Best way to wash engine bay ?? 
*Disclaimer* 
The First Time I Did This On My Dads Mazda When i Was A young Lad I Did Water Log The Motor Some And it Took An Hour Before It Started Again So Use Common Sense....If You Feel Uncomfortable doing This Or Thing You Might Break Something....DONT Do It And Dont Come Looking For Me If Something Happends. LoL.......Nah You should Be Fine Fords Are Indestructable Anyway.
