[pbanders]

I learned a well-known trick for cleaning an engine compartment a year or so ago. Just get a big spray bottle of Armorall, and on a cool engine, spray everything in the engine compartment with it (metal, plastic, rubber, paint), then take a cloth towel and wipe it clean. The results are amazing, it takes only about 15 minutes, you don't get any water into sensitive areas, and it stays clean for a long time.