Would I be an idiot to clean out my engine bay area by spraying it out with a hose?

 

if you decide to do that first off make sure you cover all your electrical and air intake components so that they don't get wet.. and also make sure your motor is completely cold (so you don't warp or crack anything)... personally I haven't really detailed my motor beyond using some simple green...

 

so i guess that could be a bit dangerous. would be an expensive mistake too

 

If you do it right you're ok. I used to do that when I worked as a detailer.

Cover the fuseboxes, dizzy, spark plugs, and everything else electrical.

 

well I've seen people do it.. I just don't do it myself... if you cover your electrical components and your air intake so they don't get wet you might be OK... I wouldn't be hosing off cold water on a hot motor.. you don't want to crack anything or warp anything... but personally I don't really detail my motor beyond wiping it down a little (lazy)..

 

dizzy??? whats a dizzy

 

distributor.

 

this has been covered...search and you'll find some great info.

 

I just spray mine with engine degreaser, let sit then hose it down.
It's also important to let the water run in a trickle so it doesn't splash all over the place.