How to clean a diesel engine

[davidpm]

After some bottom work the engine looks a mess all grinding dust and other goop all over it and the compartment.
How do I clean it up?
I know i have to plug the air intake but other than that what do I spray it with and what else do i need to protect?

[SteveInMD]

I put a plastic bag over the alternator. I know people that don't even do that and have never had a problem. I just try to avoid spraying directly on the wiring harness connection points. Other than that you can use all the degreaser and water you like. I think the orange citrus based degreasers works really well. My air cleaner opening points downward so I don't worry about that. The oil sorb cloths soak up the degreaser and grease very effectively.

[Capnblu]

Castrol Superclean. Spray on, wait, hose off.

[sander06]

You might want to use a shop-vac before adding any liquids to the mess.