So this may not be "the way," but it is "a way," and I've had great luck with it so far. Learned while working at a local Chevy dealer as a body shop tech years ago. I was taking a smoke break and watching a friend in the detail bay. I couldn't believe the results, so I had to try it myself. I'll let the pics speak for themselves. 1 - Start with one crusty engine bay. Here's a before shot of my old 91 xcab. 2 - with the engine cold, soak it all down with some heavy duty degreaser. I use "Purple Power," but most cleaners will do the same. Be extra careful around the electronic components. 3 - With the engine bay soaked in cleaner, fire it up and let it run for a few minutes. Just enough to heat up a bit. Stay away from the fumes unless you like getting sick. This cooks the gunk off. 4 - Shut the engine off and let it cool a bit. You don't want to hose down a smoking hot block with cold water and crack stuff. Find a good in between, not as hot as normal driving temp, but not parked overnight cold either. 5 - Spray everything off with a garden hose and watch the junk disappear. Again be mindful of the electronics, no need to fry any of your expensive goodies. 6 - Let it all cool some more and drink a beer. Admire the decrustified underhood. 7 - Now comes the "Magic." Bust out a bottle of Armor All. The plain Jane classic kind. Soak everything down in the engine bay with it, still being careful around electric doohickeys. 8 - Start it back up, let the heat cook the Armor All for a bit. 9 - Shut the beast down again, and when it's cool enough to touch, go to work with some shop rags and towels. Get all the excess goo off to your liking. Simple as that. 10 - Finish that beer in awe of your amazing detailing skills. "OOOHHH... AAAHHH... Shiney stuff!" After shot of my 91 xcab Here's another after shot of the 87 4x4 I had, I guess I had started with the beer that day and forgot the before shot.
+1 ...I do this same exact thing bout twice a year...looks brand newski when your done....sometimes i use the armour all foam instead of the ol school spray...nice write up man!
I use carbrite inside outside detailer. It dries fast and cleaning your engine bay with a silicone spray helps keep the hoses flexible.
Not horrible, I'd say dust bunnies were my worst issue. Quick rinse and wipe usually fixed that though.