Gonna enter my GT convertible in an upcoming car show. At least i am thinking about it. Anyhow, i need advice on cleaning the engine. I have an excellent Honda 2600psi pressure washer, but i have not cleaned an engine this way in a long time. I have used a kero powered steam gennie way back when.

 

I would not use a pressure washer; that's how you end up damaging electrical components. Personally, I like the spray-on engine degreaser/cleaners like Gunk makes, which you spray on and then rinse off with a hose, not a high pressure stream. Then, you can dry with a handheld blower.

 

Never use a pressure washer. You want to be delicate. Cover important electrical work like the fuse box and alternator, etc.

There was a vid on the /Driveclean YouTube channel a while back on cleaning motors. Xheck it out.

 

::shrugs:: When I wash my car at the local car wash, I spray the hood blanket and engine down at whatever pressure it operates at which I suppose is fairly low. I haven't had any problems in past 4 years I've owned the car.

I've never had to use degreasers or engine cleaners, just the mild soap you use to wash the car down with.

 

I also agree about not using high pressure. Cleaners work well and there is no substitute for simple hand cleaning which gets every nook and cranny. Yes, it takes hours but the upkeep is much simpler afterwards with the simple use of a detail spray like Mothers or Meguiars. It removes the spots and leaves a real clean engine bay. It doesn't hurt anything.
Car shows are a blast and a clean engine bay will get you the trophies. I just went over to an elderly neighbor's home who wanted to enter his 22,000 miles '72 Mustang Grande in a show. We both made that engine shine! He won 2nd place last Saturday in his class. A happy camper!

 

As stated above, just serious cleaning by hand and detailer.