how to clean engine comparment

Water always works real nice.....................

seriously, maybe I'm doing it wrong but i get some engine cleaner/degreaser, take it to the local do it yourself car wash, pop the hood, spray the stuff on, set the wand to rinse, and hose that sucker down.

cleaner/degreaser,

every couple of months I soak the dirty spots with Simple Green, then spray everything off with a pressure washer, taking care not to soak the electronic parts too much. The engine compartment in my 19k mile WRX looks pretty good using this method

Diesel fuel works fine.

I use a hose, and an old toothbrush...

For scrubbing, I use a toilet brush (bought NEW just for this purpose). I also put a small plastic baggie over the master cylinder resevoir (both brake and clutch) and wrap a rubber band around it. I also use a pressure washer, but keep the nozzle end at least 18" or so away from anything that could be damaged. I did this routine every week for two Minnesota winters on an impreza RS and a Honda CRV with no troubles.