Cleaning the engine on a walk behind 21 inch mower

[Rickcin]

My Honda HRN 21 inch mower had some debris & caked up oil on the block of the engine and I was wondering if it’s safe to spray on a degreaser ( heat the engine first?) on the engine and then spray the entire engine with water from a pump sprayed.Is this the best way to clean the mower?

 

[Lord_Cavendish]

Yes, a warm engine (not hot), spray degreaser, use common sense with the water flow (pump sprayer w/ wand is a great idea). Afterwards run the engine for 5 minutes to dry it. I take off the air cleaner cover and filter after an engine cleaning to verify that they are dry and to inspect/clean the prefilter and housing. Any dampness in that area and those parts are left off until dry.