Engine cleaner which won't damage alternator?
 

Is there such a thing? It's a PITA to remove/cover it while soaking the rest of the engine.

I've never had an issue with the alternator when washing my engine bay. Just going to have to wrap a bag or towel around it as best as you can if your worried about it even though its a PITA.

+1. just cover it with a bag and after soaking/cleaning the engine bay, i would get an air hose to it or let it sit for the rest of the day to ensure that it is dry.

I just don't spray it directly... Use high pressure and leave the car run.ing.

That's how I always did engine shampoo's... running, engine cool and move quick!

Try this

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Detai...ngine_Bay.aspx

I use Simple Green on everything under the hood, including spraying it directly on and into the alternator, I then rinse everything off and blow it dry with a leaf blower. Only issue I ever had was the knock sensors crapped out, when I replaced them I sealed the connectors to the valley cover with RTV, that was over ten years ago.

S100 cycle cleaner is what I use on clients engine bays. Originally for cleaning entire motorcycles with tons of chrome. Its perfect for hard to get areas and leaves no water spots!

http://images.motorcycle-superstore....Cleaner---.jpg

The difference between S100 cleaner and other products on the market is the synthetic detergent-based cleaning agents. Prior to S100, all cycle cleaners were made with lye or acid. These ingredients may remove some grime, but they leave white stains on metal. Degreasers will provide more cleaning power, but they are detrimental to plastic, rubber, and vinyl. S100 products contain none of these ingredients or harsh solvent, and they actually perform better than the competition.