Cleaning my engine compartment

[FL03S]

I want to clean my engine & engine compartment. My buddy told me to buy some engine degreaser. Before I spray down my engine compartment is the any part of my engine that isnt safe to spray with water or degreaser?

[mikered30]

Cover alternator and fuse box and spray away. The degreaser may say not to spray your engine when parked over asphalt or concrete as it may stain it. Also the engine should be cool when doing this.

[FL03S]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Cover alternator and fuse box and spray away. The degreaser may say not to spray your engine when parked over asphalt or concrete as it may stain it. Also the engine should be cool when doing this.

Thanks, I just want to make sure im covering the right engine parts. I have a 2003 Corolla S, where in the engine compartment would my alternator be located?

[Exage]

Stole these pics off the internet, hence japanese or euro car... but the engine is the same.



The alternator is located to the left front of the engine (looking at the car). It's that silver thing to the left of the black intake manifold, and sort of behind the coolant reservoir.

Typically look similar to this.

[FL03S]

Originally Posted by Exage

Stole these pics off the internet, hence japanese or euro car... but the engine is the same.



The alternator is located to the left front of the engine (looking at the car). It's that silver thing to the left of the black intake manifold, and sort of behind the coolant reservoir.

Typically look similar to this.

I just got done cleaning my engine compartment. Thanks for posting the pictures.

[thebrokeenthusiast]

While we're on the subject, kind of a dumb question, but is it safe to get it on the battery? My engine could use a cleaning.

[JasonA]

It's safe to get on the battery.

I would recommend NOT adding any dressing to the engine after cleaning. The stuff typically leaves a shiny (but greasy/sticky) surface, and that will only attract more dirt. If you leave it dry after cleaning it, it'll only require a brief spray/wipe down every now and again.