Can I use a hotsy on my 328 lower engine bay?

If you don't mind timing belt tensioner bearing failures, water pump and water pump belt tensioner bearing failures, Speedo sensor failures, clutch actuation lubrication related issues, water inside your new CV joint grease go right ahead.

 

True if left alone to drip dry..
I have steam cleaned the engine bay a couple times, of course it's also followed up by stripping down and servicing, I hate working on greasy stuff. Oil is more damaging to rubber then water oddly enough. True steam cleaning is better then high pressure hot water, but not usually available to the DIY, it's more industrial.

 

If you are going to take it all apart its ok if done very carefully but not just for a cleanup.

 

I just cleaned 40 years of oil-soaked crud and gunk off of my engine any engine bay, where all my seals had failed and leaked, and there had been an exhaust fire. Here's my cleaners list:

For chassis/frame members: Hot water with dawn dish soap, followed by Scrubbing Bubbles

For engine block dirt: Scrubbing Bubbles

Engine block sludge/grime: Gunk Engine degreaser GEL, or Penetrating oil (just a small patch at a time), then hot water with dawn, then Scrubbing Bubbles

Cast pieces, such as bell housing and diff cover: I used etching magnesium wheel cleaner, which DOES etch the surface of the metal, but turns it the same color as the rest of the block, which I found pleasing.

Most-difficult grime, such as clutch dust: Brake cleaner

An pilot/aircraft enthusiast friend of mine told me about Scrubbing Bubbles for an aluminum engine, and it works REALLY well.

Work in small areas and dry everything thoroughly as you go.

 

Wow, someone who took an experts advice and didn't argue. Good on you. This may be a first.

 

I've been doing it for years 35 years to be exact without any issue. If you're careful and know all the critical parts or area that doesn't need to get wet then then you'll be fine. I usually start by spraying Gunk degreaser on areas that are greasy, grimy and oily then let it sit for a couple of minutes the high pressure wash everything that has the degreaser and the results are almost spotless and very clean.
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