I just bought an '06 F-150 and the engine compartment needs a detail bad. What can i use to clean it? I would like some cleaning/degreaser chemical and just spray it off with water and detail it from there. Any areas i should avoid with the water?

 

im pretty sure your gunna get a lot of opinions on this but i pressure wash my engine bay every once in a while because mud gets absolutley everywhere and i have not had an issue. now i wouldnt focus on one spot for too long tho, i would just try to keep the water moving as much as possible. try the search button and you will find tons of threads on this. i have never used any chemicals on my engine because just water works every time. even when my engine bay looks like this...

 

Whoa! If just water will clean that, ill be just fine using only water on mine ; )

 

I spray mine with a can of degreaser let it sit for 5 minutes or so then I powerwash it with my powerwasher I have at home. Never had a problem *knock on wood* yet. I just avoid spraying on the electronics and air filter housing with hard and direct spray.

 

If you must use a pressure washer, use a nozzle that creates a fan of water, rather than a jet of it. Avoid things with bearings, such as the alternator, water pump, idler pully, and AC compressor. It isn't hard to force lube out of the bearings and replace it with water (not considered a good lubricant).
Electricity and water don't really play well together, either, so avoid drenching the COPs, fuse box, and other electrical connections.
If you aren't trying to degrease your engine, don't bother with a degreaser. However, simple water is going to leave a dirt film behind. If you are really trying to get it clean as "new", you'll need soap. Liquid carwash soap works well, with a soft brush with long bristles, you'll be able to reach all kinds of spots. Rinse often, and don't let the soap dry on your engine.