I have used search but wanted to get an idea of what people are using now that is safe on aluminum to get rid of all the oil and grease? Gunk, Super Clean (which I believe used to be Castrol Super Clean), Kaboom, steam cleaning, power washer, etc.? Please specify which one you use i.e. foam, gel, standard, purple cleaner, engine shine, etc.. Also, what all do you wrap in plastic to keep water from getting in?

 

I use Simple Green, a plastic bristle brush, some shop paper towels and lots of time.

Also use a different color font for those of us with white backgrounds it's hard to read.

 

second that

 

Engine degreaser as well
Simplegreen can eat the paint inside the bay

 

Once or twice during the driving season I use plastic grocery bags to cover the fuse boxes and a small power washer with only water on a cold engine...careful not to spray directly under the UIM. I also blow out the radiator and oil coolers without getting too close and bending fins. Then I use compressed air to blow the the water away and prevent water spots. I only use water, but if things are really greasy I don't see a problem using soap. I don't like de-greasers. The ones I've used alway leave residue no matter how much you rinse.
Spray a little Tire Foam on the inside plastics and hoses and wipe up the excess. Makes the plastics look a little nicer...works well on the engine side of the wheel-well liners too.


Been doing this since I owned the car and no issues. Takes all of 15-20 minutes.

 

Simple green will take the "mirror" of of polished aluminum.

It's great stuff, but too harsh for finely polished surfaces.

 

Agreed. Another reason I don't like the de-greaser stuff. Because of the "solvent" nature of most of them, I'm also nervous using them around the silicone hoses, solenoids and wiring.
FWIW, for the polished parts I've had great luck with MOTHER'S aluminum polish to get rid of a little oxidation and bring back the shine. Pretty easy to use too.

 

Take to self-serve car wash and cover open electrical items.
1) Spray with engine degreaser (in a can, not the car wash sprayer)
2) Spray clean with car wash sprayer
3) Use CD2 Engine Detailer (nothing works as well as this product in my opinion)
Your entire engine bay will look like new and stay that way for quite a while!