how to detail motor

Well, the way I do it is with a pressure washer on a fan setting hooked up to the water heater for hot water for dirty engine conmpartments. On an older Jag already susceptible to electrical problems I understand your concern.

It will take some time but hot water in spray bottles and Pro Force heavy duty degreaser (I get mine at Sam's club.) I dilute it about 16:1 typically, but if you have some caked on crud use it stronger or even full strength. Get a few wheel brushes, hard bristle toothbrushes and stiff bristle nylon brushes to agitate the dirt and grime, then clean it off with the spray bottle again.

I would cover the distributer and any electrical items with plastic and tape to avoid water exposure. Also, if the car has been resprayed, be careful not to lift the paint on the inner wheel wells and firewall if the paint is blistering or was applied with less care and prep.

If you do use a pressure washer, make sure to use the largest fan on the nozzle and don't get right up on anything you don't want removed, such as paint or labels. The adhesive on these older labels will make them come right off with out any effort at all.

Good luck and post some pics!

 

at the bottom of the page: http://www.swissvaxhandbook.com/vehicle-wash-handbook.htm