I just bought a very nicely kept '87 F 150. I'm no mechanic but would like to start "tuning up" and cleaning up the engine compartment. What do I use to start cleaning the engine and everything under the hood? I don't want to screw anything up!

 

Simple green

 

X2 on simple green, a soft brush and a clean towel to wipe things down that the Simple Green doesn't remove. I soak the engine in Simple Green, hose it off with a nozzle and wipe everything down while it's wet. Engine bay stays clean and close to new. Every couple of months, I'll clean it up and soak all of the hoses down with Son Of A Gun Tire Foam and then wipe it all down for a nice shine. I've always used the Son Of A Gun on all of my vehicles plastics and hoses. It seems to prevent dry rot too. The real benefit comes in wiping the hoses and vacuum lines down so you can inspect them and catch any leaks and vacuum issues. I've found all of my vacuum issues while wiping the lines down. Don't forget about wiping down the inside of the air intake box and intake tubes. Doesn't help too much to put a clean filter in a box full of dirt and dust.

 

Simple green here. Just cleaned my engine bay this past weekend with simple green, water and a soft bristle detailer brush. Worked great and the engine bay looks almost as good as new. I then finished off the cleaning with some meguairs protectant to make it shine. Quick and easy, well worth it to do

 

another simple green believer. I also go the 'extra mile' by covering the alternator when i spray stuff down. Ive heard rumors that water getting in them can ruin them.