If your engine is not bad, first spray the entire
engine/compartment with WD40 (outdoors is best).  Let
it soak.  Then spray the entire engine compartment with
soapy water....laundry detergent & water in a spray
bottle worksd great.
Then rinse, using pressure where necessary on
non-critical areas.  Then run the engine till it gets
full temp...at least 15 min.  This dries everything
out...incl. internal condensation.  If you do this wice
a year after initially getting your engine clean, it
will take only 15 minutes and stay clean.

If your engine is dirty/grimey, or you are going to use
harsh chemicals, go to a car wash where they trap/clean
the runoff.  Otherwise, chances are your grunge will
end up in a stream or water table.  This kind of runoff
is a MAJOR source of water pollution.  Be responsible
for your own pollution.

> Dom wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a good technique for cleaning a
> vanagon engine without getting water all over the
> place
> I take it a high pressure cleaning system is not
> adviseable.