Try simple green. You can get it at Wal Mart or any place like that. Tne engine does'nt have to be running .You are also right about not having a hot engine when doing a cleaning job. The best time is in the morning before you are going to use your vehicle. By the way simple green is non toxic and enviroment friendly. Just spray it real good and let it sit a while to work. Then just spray it off with a hose.

I've heard a lot of good reviews about Castrol Super Clean, which comes in a gallon jug for around 5 or 6 bucks. I've seen it at Wal-mart, in the automotive section. It's concentrated, and can be used for various cleaning applications. The gallon jug should be enough to do several cleaning jobs. I like Bags idea about the Gunk cleaner also. I'm planning to clean my engine compartment also, but I'm concerned that I might get water in my distributor. If I cover that area it won't get as clean as the rest of the engine. I'm going to research some topics on another site, and I'll get back to you guys on this subject. Take care everyone. I'm OUT. Darby:wavey:

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darby '94 Ranger XLT

I own two stores that sell and service vacuum cleaners. We are a bigtime eureka dealer and my rep sometimes gives me eureka products to try. A few years ago he gave me a eureka 1200 PSI power washer that I use to clean parts, and then last year he gave me this little eureka hand held steamer thing. It's a little yellow gizmo with a pointy end on it that shoots out steam. I use it to clean junkyard engines all the time and it actually kicks some major ass.