I was just wondering as to what the best stuff to use under the hood. I normally use simple green in a spray bottle.

 

Well for the more serious grime I'd use a engine cleaner. Stuff is like $2 a can.
Let the engine cool a little if its just been run as you will need to hose off the cleaner. Or you can always use a bucket of water.

I also use laquer thinner on a rag for getting some grime off once the serious stuff is removed by the cleaner. If you are working on an older truck you could also consider using some spray paint to touch up any bad areas like the innner fender wells. Brake cleaner also removes grime pretty good.

I like detailing engines on old hot rods best. There is not much in the way. You can make a big difference in just an hour or two. I have sold cars where people have popped the hood and wrote a check without ever driving the car.

 

I use full strength simple green. Has cleaned every engine I've come into contact with.

 

This seems to be the mecha of detailing so I wanted to get some opinions. To kinda see what seems to work good.

 

Once you have used the Simple Green. Let your engine dry off then put one of the foam tire detailers on the engine. After doing this wipe down the excess detailer and you will have one shiny engine.