As I understand it the protection is some wax based, i.e. low melting point "stuff". I thought the purpose of the stuff was to prevent the car from surface rusting during the humid, salty boat trip over here.

Over on the "old" Misc forum we talked about cleaning engines from time to time. We never gave engine rust a thought. We worked on our cars and would have noticed rust faster than most people and the question never came up.

Two ways to do it that I know of,

Get simple green, and a rag, a bucket of soapy water. Basicly wipe down the whole engine. Rinse the rag in the bucket when it gets really dirty.

Or you could presure wash it. Wrap anything that can't get wet in a plastic bag with extra tight rubber bands, and wash the whole thing down with soap and water.

Dry off with a towel.<ul><li><a href="http://www.carcareonline.com/clean_engines.html">http://www.carcareonline.com/clean_engines.html</a</li></ul>

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12414/engine.jpg">

I usally :

1. Pour straight Simply Green on the engine
or
1. Spray engine with Gunk engine cleaner

2. Let soak 5 minutes
3. Hose off with a garden hose.
4. Blow out crevices with an air hose if wanted.

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8297/enngine.jpg"></center><p>