Engine Washing and Car Washing in Public Washes

["George Achorn" <coolidge@tidalwave.net>]

Hey All,
	I had the J at a public car wash today to clean off the road soot, and
noticed in the bay next to me the owner of the place in his dorky Bond Z3,
hood up cleaning the engine bay. I know my engine is dirty, and was
wondering what a good method is for cleaning it. I have seen the engine
degreaser setting before and was wondering the pros and cons to using the
public wash's pressure washer on the engine. I am betting this should not
be done on a hot engine regardless. I have also heard that people use
simple green. What kind of endorsements do you guys have towards that
product.
	Second, I am fairly certain my '94 Jetta is distributorless, however I am
not so certain if my '93 Corrado is (mfg. date 1/93) how can I determine if
it is distributorless or not and if so, what do I do when cleaning the
Corrado's engine different from when I clean the J, if indeed I do have a
distributor on the C?
	While on the subject I'll point out stuff I do know about public washes.
DO NOT USE THE BRUSH PROVIDED, as it will scratch the paint. I did so in
'95 on my brand new black Grand Cherokee to my peril. Gotta love scratches.
I sold the jeep and keep a wool looking mitten in my trunk that I picked up
at an Auto Parts Store. While talking to a local detailer he highly
recomended them, preferably synthetic. He also told me that using the wax
at these places is nice for VERY SHORT term effect, but this in no means
should replace a periodic hand or buffed wax job. 
	Last, I've found car washes are great places to meet other VW owners.
	Later-G