A few years ago I read about washing car engines. I remember that there is a part that must be protected from water (the instructions were to cover it with plastic sheet and seal the edges of the plastic with tape), but I can't remember what that part is. Can anyone tell me?

Also, I would appreciate it if you gave me a general idea of where that part is located since I know some, but not a lot about car engines.

My car is a 1989 Madza 626 4dr.

All help will be greatly appreciated.

Actually there are several things that are recommended to be covered: The distributor, wires, etc.

There are a variety of degreaser sprays that are meant for car engines; available at WalMart, AutoZone, etc.

All of them list various things that ought to be covered.

You'll spray it on a the cool engine, let it foam up for several minutes, then rinse it off with a fine spray from a hose.

Do not spray it on a hot engine. The stuff can easily catch fire when it comes in contact with hot parts like the exhaust manifold.

After that, be sure to drive it around a bit to dry everything off.

Your answer is very helpful. I did not know foam is available at auto parts stores. I will not spray it on a hot engine; thanks for the warning.

If you are willing, please answer this: I don't have access to a hose (live in apt. complex). Can I just pour water from a container to rinse it off (I could pour water on each area 3-4 times) or do I need several minutes of spray on each area to get foam off? Is foam difficult to get off and is it corrosive if I don't get it completely off?

You can probably pick up a plastic watering can and use it. Less likely to cause problems than a hose. Newer cars do not have a distributor, and some do not have spark plug wires. If you car has spark plug wires, cover what ever they come out of. If your engine has sort of a plate on the top of the engine with a few small wires going under it, do not run water under it.

My car has spark plug wires that come out of something (Part 1) and go into the part where oil is added (Part 2). I can cover Part 1, where the spark plug wires start. Thanks for suggestion about watering can.

Thanks for explaining on my level.

Jann

Another method you could attempt, (being that you are in an apartment complex) they tend to frown on any automobile being serviced.
Take your car to a carwash(do it yourself) let the car cool down to the touch, wrap all electrical in plastic (battery and any open connections and anything electrical. Utilize the foaming pressure washer to clean the engine bay. Car washes are monitered by the EPA and just like gas stations have filters that catch the runoff.

Appreciate you're the details so I can understand exactly what you mean. Thanks.
Jann

But I have always been told not to "clean" your engine esp. with chemicals. Obviously many people so it must not be too harmful. However if you don't have a show car than chance's are it's going to get dirty. I have a 99' chrysler, I keep it somewhat "clean" by a simple wipe down with an old damp towel.

To soften the grease and grunge that collects in the engine compartment you should start the engine and let it run for a few minutes and then shut it off. If you can just hold your hand on engine without burning, then it is warm enough to clean. The proper temperature for cleaning the engine is warm but not hot. While the engine is cooling down you will want to cover the openings on the motor that you do not want to get water in. These include the air intake/ air filter, the distributor, the coil and the oil dip stick/breather. You can use baggies and rubber bands to cover the openings. You also want to check the tightness of the oil filter cap, power steering cap, windshield washer fluid cap, battery filler caps and all other caps.

More how to proper cleaning of car engine here:

http://www.dccarcare.com/tipowk/tipowk13.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Car-Engine

Lun pe charo saare