How do I clean the engine on my 1976 Eldorado.
Gmagner
Quite obviously don't hose it down but wrap all electrical (alternator, distributor) and your carburetor. I always use minimal water with a small bucket to keep water away from vital areas. Also a good soft to medium brush with long hairs is a good way to get in the tough spots without taking all of the skin off of your hands. I use an engine degreaser or just a mild soap. I never used oven cleaner because like George said, it will take the paint off...unless that's what you'd like to do!
I have always just pressure washed mine, avoiding the alt. and carb. then fire it up let it jet hot to dry off. Never had an issue.
Be careful with the oven cleaner as it will ruin the flash chrome finish used on the stainless steel trim found on many Cadillac. It will also ruin the paint on the engine. Found out the hard way on my 59. A good soak with simple green prior to a careful pressure wash works very well.
Randy
https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/degreaser/
https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/industrial-strength-cleaner-and-degreaser
One thing to remember when washing any engine down, especially when it is a Convertible, cover up the roof material so no greasy/oily deposits get splashed up onto the roof.
Bruce. >:D