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very dumb question, but thought it would be even dumber had I attempted this without asking first....... I normally just hose down an engine with de -greaser when I clean the engine bay, but beings I have a CIA and I'm not exactly familiar with my 2001 LX's engine, I was wondering what parts should I cover up when I am cleaning the engine bay and what areas should I pay close attention to? Is there a DIY for this already, I could have swore I read something on here about a year ago but will be damned if I can find it. Thanks for any help.

 
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You should look at the detailing section, there have been topics about this.

 
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Hey, do you have a link? I can't search the web very effectively due to a really messed up computer. thanks

 
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all you really have to do is cover up the alternator and the air filter. i find it best to use cooking plastic wrap and a plastic bag for the intake. make sure your engine is cold. they say its best to run your car for a little so that the motor is a little warm. however, you'll run the risk of breaking something when cold water hits a warm/hot engine.

spray degreaser around the engine bay, let it sit for about 15 minutes and then hose everything off.

uncover the alternator and intake and start the car. let it idle until the engine bay is dry.

 
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you rock.. thanks

 
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I suggest simple green as your cleaner. It does a really good job and is safe if you get some on your paint and stuff.

 
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simple green rocks, but I dont think it will cut through engine bay grease- will it?

 
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why do you have so much engine grease on your motor???????

 
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simple green will cut through engine grease as long as you dont dump oil on your engine nightly.

 
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Simple Green, Purple Power, and other degreasers like those seem to promote rust on anything metal under your hood. This is what i used for a couple years and noticed it myself. After i looked into it some more, others were saying the same thing. The alternative was to use a citrus cleaner/degreaser.
The only thing that really needs covered is your air filter. But if you plan on starting or driving the car right after you wash the engine then it would be wise to cover the alt up. Otherwise just let it sit and air out for a couple hours.

 
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my engine bay is super clean, except for a time when i got it back from honda after having them service some crap i couldnt do... MAN was it MESSY. Oil, fluids, everything was all over the place, spilled on the bumper, headlights, under neath on the chasis, cables, all of that crap. I wish i could say i hate honda for doing that, but they are just too cool of peeps. So no, I usually dont have grease all over my engine, but in rare cases, yes it gets where it shouldnt be

 
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If the honda techs up where you live are that good, i may have to come up there for my next service (i live in S.C.). The ones at my local dealership are idiots, always screwing stuff up. Sometimes i wonder if some of them had ever even seen a honda before they got hired

 
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ashhole, they do decent repairs, but are pretty messy- I just got done detailing my car for three full days with a friend (when i first detailed it- taking scratches out and all that crap so many layers), and they ruined the engine bay and front... well didnt ruin it but it kinda pissed me off. The service was good. Tightened my ebrake too much, only went about a click or two at first, but its starting to stretch out now andi'm up to about 4 clicks. They know me in the parts department kuz i was always in there asking for stuff they didnt carry. One pain was to get some touch up paint after some offbrand crap failed on me (allthoguh believe it or not, it was a closer color match!). They parts guy gave it to me for free when I came to pick it up. I was like, how much is it? Hes like you've been in here so much i'll just charge it to the parts department. I thought that was pretty dope. So cool guys, good repairs, good prices (believe it or not- 60k tune cost me like 120 bucks... far off from their 300+ quote), but they left the car a huge mess in the engine bay. Honda of Beaverton Oregon if you really want to drive a few thousand miles for some service. ha, all good though

 
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I also recommend covering the tranny dipstick if you have an auto tranny. the dipstick is very flimsy and barely sits in the hole.

 
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^ i have no problems, but why not!