So, I couldn't find a thread on this topic, what's the general consensus? I'd like to get rid of old (and not so old) oil seepage, and give the engine bay an overall clean, plastics, etc,.

Any thoughts or concerns?

No steam, may damage some soft plastics and bring moisture in contacts-cable connections.

Use a tough pair of gloves (not cheap one-use nitrile) and baby wipes, in difficult spots throw some alcohol lotion 93 'C and use a long paint brush, in hard areas a degrease spray with caution, then wipe the excess.

When all are clean use a cloth and a plastic-care product and apply a light coat on them.

NO water in pressure via garden hose inside the engine bay !

Fire away, I use heavy alkaline detergent and brushes. But quite frankly I do not care about cleaning the engine.

Rightly or wrongly I'd be concerned about hidden or seen condensation from using steam particularly at this time of year.

Rags and cleaners can clean up enough oil usually to see if fresh is oil is added. In warmer weather many years back I'd clean and "detail" an engine bay by the use of engine cleaner, a radiator brush, garden hose to flush and spray cleaner polish over the still wet/damp surfaces and wipe where required and just closed the bonnet and leave things to dry. If I was particularly bothered I might do a bit more spray cleaner polish and/or buff for shine. If I was worried about any electronics they'd be wrapped in clingfilm before starting and clingfilm off after hosing. Quick and effective, there are always lots more interesting things you can do whilst you wait for the engine bay to fully dry.

I used to spend two days cleaning a car sometime after I first got it and just before putting it up for sale - but that was many years back.

I like the clingfilm idea!

Not for steam cleaning tho'.

And non-food clingfilm is best, if it's still about.

In the area beneath the coil a degrease spray with long nose is a ''must''.

https://a.allegroimg.com/SKODA-FELICIA-II-6U1-1-3-MPI-781-136M-68KM

13 hours ago, D.FYLAKTOS said:

n the area beneath the coil a degrease spray with long nose is a ''must''.

https://a.allegroimg.com/SKODA-FELICIA-II-6U1-1-3-MPI-781-136M-68KM

SWAZ