I have oil all over the driver side of the motor, and I want to clean it all up so I can accurately see where it's coming from. I already know the VCG is leaking, but I'd like to take the opportunity to see if anything else leaks as well.

 

cover anything electrical, use a good degreaser and a garden hose, catch as much of the water as possible and then dispose of it properly

 

So any degreaser is safe? I've only got Simple Green. What about the spark plug holes? I've got an air compressor so I could blow out any water that gets into the spark plug wells. Could I use my power washer?

 

Simple Green works great as will your power washer. Just don't point it at electrical things. You will be surprised at what a change can be made for the underhood cleanliness with just some rags & Simple Green or an equivalent degreaser.

 

Brake cleaner

 

Degreaser or brake cleaner and power washed at the local self serve car wash. The drained water is usually filtered in some way.

 

Simple green works great for lightly dirty motors. For bad nasty grease and oil build up, I use a couple cans of Gunk