What would be the proper way to clean out my 2001 F-150 4.6L engine compartment? I've never washed it in the few years I've owned it and it's got a thin layer of grease and dust everywhere.

I'm concerned about damaging components like the alternator, since it has open holes and I can see copper inside, and forcing water into the air system, electrical, and other places it doesn't belong. What do I need to cover up? What's the right way to do this?

Also should I use a regular engine degreaser and just hose it down with a car wash wand, or do I need to go sparingly on the water?

 

I'd leave it alone. There's just too much of a risk causing electronic problems.

 

I wash the crap out of mine! spotless! I wash it in my garage. I spray de-greaser from the parts store then I have a hotwater pressure washer and I blast the crap out it. I blow it off real good and let it sit a couple days to dry off with out starting it. Never had a problem.

 

How come it doesn't kill the alternator? I look down and see the exposed copper wiring and don't understand how flushing it with a bunch of water can be good for it.

 

either dry it without starting it or be careful! the alternator is designed to work in slightly wet conditions and really that the least of water worries.. Coils and such really hate water!

 

If you use a pressure washer, I almost guarantee you will get water past the coil boots into the plug wells. That ain't good. Be prepared to pull the coils and blow out the wells.

 

I have been cleaning mine off and on over the last 15 years with no issues. I try and not blast critical areas like coil/plug areas and the electronics. I also only use regular hose as to not inject water farther into things. The other thing I do is take a gas leaf blower and blow the heck out of it after washing. The neighbors all look at you funny but a good high velocity blower get most of the water off. Like a few mentioned I will let it dry out good before starting it. Also do the same on sons Mustang with no issues. Still looks like a fairly new engine bay. The alternator and front engine cover are new in this pic due to recent repair so reason nice and shiny.