Washing the engine, Is it safe to use a power hose? Options

[khye]

I have seen people washing their engine bays at my local carwash.
They use a high pressure power-hose to clear out all the old crap.
Dust, dirt (dead cats etc.. ) which is stuck to the various engine parts.

The question I have is this.....

Is this safe to do on our engines?
What should I cover, I presume the altinator and distributer cap will have to be kept dry?

I desperately need to clean my engine but am afraid that the water will damage something..

oops, I put this in the wrong forum group and can't get it moved sorry!

This post has been edited by khye: Jul 14, 2003 - 9:48 AM

[hioctane]

I use an engine degreaser/ cleaner called gumout steam cleaner from kragens.

Step 1: Warm-up engine, turn off engine
Step 2: Cover air intake system or just take it out.
Step 3: spray the steam cleaner over entire engine to areas heavily coated with dirt, oil and grease. For heavy stains, use a brush to loosen.
Step 4: allow to stand for 15 minutes.
Step 5: spray engine with the least amount of water it takes to remove the dirt and grime
Step 6: warm up engine for 10 minutes or until dry then you're done =)