Newbie cleaning question.

The engine bay and engine on my 78 308 GTS Is filthy, does anyone have a cleaner for getting it clean without being too harsh. The car mostly sat since 2011, only about 2000 miles were put on it in that time. I would like to get it clean then drive it to see if it has any leaks. This winter I will fix any small leaks I find and any other items that need to be addressed. I know I will be going through the suspension.
The PO took it to a shop before I bought the car. The shop replaced the hoses and got it running smooth. The mechanic notes say the car needs to be driven. I plan on driving the wheels off it as soon as I register it. Trying to be patient waiting for the police to straighten out the false stolen report is not easy!

Happy Memorial Day, to those that serve thank you!

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I use a hose nozzle with a mist setting, mist the whole engine bay, liberally mist the whole bay with Simple Green, hand scrub any bad areas, then low pressure rinse with water. After that use a shop compressor with an air nozzle and blow it dry.

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when cleaning do you cover or protect the timing belts?

 

Your motor looks great! Do you remove the air cleaner and cover the carbs?

 

No...I never have

 

No...I do it just the way you see it...been doing it like that for over 40 yrs.

 

@Dockboy Thank you for the help!

 

No problem

 

Your timing belts are +13 years old.
First things first. They need to be changed along with the bearings and a water pump rebuild.

 

True, I did that about 2 weeks ago. Now if I could just drive it.