How do u clean the area around the spark plugs? Kinda bugs me cuz I have to make sure i put the plugs in straight and don't bump the sides and have gunk fall into the cylinder.

 

i use carb cleaner and a brass wire brush.
sometimes vicegrips to break the carbon buildup...scoring...(no, my plugs have not seen any empire/ driod wars).

spray it clean w/the carb cleaner and re-install.

oo..
sorry, to clean before you remove them...
can do a few things.
on the 22r its easy, hose/ and/or can of air.
remember to wear eye protection

 

carb cleaner is okay. also brake parts cleaner works wonders as well.
spray around the plugs until the dirt and oil is gone.

 

carb cleaner should be enough..and probably the most useful (since water may have issues w/other parts) .

but i would not use brake cleaner, as it can ruin rubber parts (like motor mounts) and is extremely potent...

be carefull if the engine is hot too, b.c. those things are very flamable.

but just to remove the debris, compressed air should be fine

 

MEK (methyl-ethyl ketone) free brake parts cleaner is not harsh on rubber like traditional cleaners, and rinsing can be done with a soft stream of water.
So arguing either way isn't worth the hassle.

 

Use brake cleaner, even if it does harm rubber (Which I have never had a problem with) it evaporates so fast when it's in the open that it won't be an issue. Brake cleaner to get the oil and crap viscous, then hit it with the water hose.

Never had an issue spraying the engine down with water, by the way. Avoid the fusebox and electrical components as much as you can, of course, and I usually stick a plastic bag around the alternator/voltage regulator. After you spray, turn the engine on immediately to dry everything if you're nervous.

Unless the valleys are really dirty, I just hit em with compressed air from my compressor beforehand.