I just got a 2001 VDP. I want to clean up the engine bay, but I'm hesitant of spraying water in there because I've heard some horror stories. As long as I cover up the alternator and electrical components, is it okay if I give it a good spray down?

 

In a word: NO

 

Yup, don't spray water but still you can use WD40 for cleaning or use a slightly drenched towel .

 

Interesting that everyone is paranoid about water in the engine compartment....and the XKR has louvers on the hood! Go figure?!

 

Well, I've got an acquaintance that runs a detail shop and he helped me clean up the engine bay. We sprayed some industrial multi-purpose cleaner around pretty much everything, agitated the surfaces with a brush, then sprayed it out with a high pressure washer. We were careful not to soak the air intake area, though. Just a few quick strokes with the pressure washer did it. Then, he sprayed on some sort of sealer spray that gives it a nice, non-greasy, shine. We then removed some of the rubber seals and coated the metal areas with a sticky rust-proofing. After all that, you wash the car to get rid of any overspray and mess. The engine bay now looks pretty much factory mint, as far as cleanliness is concerned. The key is to not to 'soak' anything, especially the air intake and alternator. Also, an air compressor is a very helpful tool when detailing the engine bay.

 

Hi there pezzo..I totally agree with you, but we need to see detailing before, during and after pics

I used similar techniques when I detailed the engine bay of my Audi A6 (07) and my sons 2 1.2 Renault Clios (W - 2000 plates )
Personally I gently hosed off the underside of the bonest ( hood ) and a quick spray over the engine followed by GUNK ( an engine degreasant ) and then agitated by use of a 2" paintbrush and a spray bottle of APC to keep things wet.
Then I started the car and let it run at idle as I used the garden hose to rinse off the underside of the bonnet and the whole engine bay ( not concentrating too much on the distributor cap area or the air intake.
Then I used clean dry cloths to soak up 95% of the remaining moisture and finished off with Wet n Black over the hoses and plastic cover etc etc for an AS NEW look with NO problems at all whatsoever.

There will always be those that say NO DON'T DO IT or similar and maybe they've had a bad experience, but not me or anyone I've heard of......each to their own
Every time I wash the car, I lift the bonnet and using a damp cloth wipe the underside of the bonnet and the engine bay.......Because I do it so often it takes literally 2-3 mins and looks like new every time!
The same applies to my alloy wheels and tailpipes......washed n caressed every wash time for that AS NEW look