How do i clean the engine

[Blitzen]

I found that interior upholstery cleaner sprayed on the engine and plastics works well to break down stuff, then using my hose nozzle on mist, spray off the leftovers...Then rag dry...Works for me.

[Jace]

I'd put a plastic bag over the alternator, give everything a good soak in degreaser (i've used truck stuff at tradeschool, works brilliantly) then use a high pressure hose (like the ones at a car wash) then spray the crap out of it.
Make sure the timing plug/cap (i think) is in the top of the box above the flywheel, don't blast the spark plugs, any electrical connections and just pay close attention to it and you'll be fine.

[DMS_Dan]

Wrap all your electrics in Gladwrap or Alfoil. (i prefer glad wrap as it cant short out). The main things are the coil packs, starter motor and alternator.

Get yourself a good quality degreaser. A cheap one can often discolor any raw aluminum bits or other metals.

Some that i have used and would recommend are Autoglym Engine and machine Cleaner, Autoglym PM3 and Duragloss Ultimate Orange Cleaner

I use the Vikan Brushes to get in and around the engine. It saves scraping your knuckles on things and it helps work the degreaser in.

Once you have sprayed it up and agitated it use a pressure cleaner on a low pressure setting and carefully rinse the grime away.

Repeat if necessary

[pedro]

You shouldn't have to worry about covering things up to much as long as you don't aim any hose or gurney directly at the alternator or relay's etc.

Heavy duty degreaser, oven cleaner also works. Then the key is to use a high pressure gurney with hot water.