Hosing down the engine compartment?

Is it ok to hose down the engine the compartment? Not a high pressure rinse but just a garden hose to get all the sand and muck out. I know not to do it when the engine is hot. I use to do it on my CJ and Montero and never had any issues. Just want to check before doing it on the FJ and if anyone has had any issues.

Sure, just don't blast electrical areas. I use the Orange Blast cleaner from WalMart or where ever. Spray it on, let sit 5 minutes or so, then rinse off all the grease and grime. Works great... Make an old engine look new.

I agree with Scott. What I usually do is take my leaf blower on LOW, blow out the loose dust/dirt first. Then take the garden hose on a low setting and washout the engine compartment, being careful around the electrical "stuff", then take Lexol leather conditioner and wipe down the hoses (keeps them nice and soft!!!)

Also, for those of you with the Cyclone pre air cleaner, make sure you empty that too.

Done.....looks much better, and it has to run better and get better mileage with a clean engine compartment (just hush and let me believe that).

I used my pressure washer on my engine and had no problems. Obviously I avoided the electrical boxes, but I hit the engine really hard and the underside of the hood. Made a big difference. Next time I'm going to use engine cleaner too.
I'd say using a pressure washer is not bad, just watch out where you aim it and don't use the extra high pressure nozzle, you know the one that cuts wood? Yeah don't use that one. Just use the one you use for the outside when you wash it.

Ryland, I get like 2 mpg better when I wash my FJ...slides through the air easier. That's my story and I'm sticking too it...

Cleaning a car adds 2 hp per body panel.