One more tip. All the gunk you remove from your engine will wind up staining your driveway. Put down a tarp to collect the sludge if this matters to you.
I also use a low power PW (only 600psi) to clean the engine compartment. I use my compressor to blow out all the water paying special attention to the plug wells. I use plastic bags to cover electrical components. I wash the engine when it is slightly warm to aid in drying. I use a degreaser and a brush to dislodge stubborn dirt. I do cover the alternator, BTW as I don't want any degreaser on it to shorten it's already short life.
After cleaning, I use CD/2 engine detailer, an acrylic based spray-on product, that dries hard. I avoid oily dressings as they just attract and hold onto to dirt and make the engine get dirty faster.
Not the greatest shot but this is the engine bay on my 91 NA.
