Steam Cleaning the Engine

volavet · 05-20-05, 03:09 PM

Pro or Con. As indicated in my previous post, I am having a lot of engine work done, and wanted to see if it was safe to steam clean the engine. The opti spark will be replaced and there is oil everywhere from 5 years worth of intake manifold leak. Any advice of whether this is safe or asking for trouble would be appreciated.

Thanks.

grapeknutz · 05-20-05, 04:24 PM

I see no problem with that!

WradDad · 05-20-05, 07:04 PM

Well, I don't know about steam cleaning, which might cause some problems with nearly 10 year old wiring. Maybe just some de-greaser and low-pressure water jet? Even then, try to stay away from the wiring bundles.

volavet · 05-21-05, 09:03 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I was worried about causing more harm than good. It is just a mess under there from 4 years worth of intake leaking.

froggy47 · 05-21-05, 04:22 PM

Steam cleaners don't use steam, of course, it's a very high pressure water (maybe heated).

I'd recommend the chemical (Gunk, etc) engine degreaser & rinse off with light spray of water.

Who knows what the high press water will get into & cause you problems later.

PLRX · 05-22-05, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by froggy47

Steam cleaners don't use steam, of course, it's a very high pressure water (maybe heated).

I'd recommend the chemical (Gunk, etc) engine degreaser & rinse off with light spray of water.

Who knows what the high press water will get into & cause you problems later.

This is 100% accurate

So Bay Vetter · 05-22-05, 11:51 PM

I've had great luck with brake cleaner. It evaporates completely. I've used it to clean the gunk off of several connectors with no problems (so far . . .). It may take several cans and some patient detailing with rags wrapped over screwdrivers and long extension pliers but it's much easier and cheaper than tracking electrical shorts or replacing an opti-spark. I usually do it when I'm ticked off with the wife or kids. I just go out and pick part of the engine to detail out. It works. If you have teenagers, you'll have a really clean engine compartment in no time!!

CQRT · 05-24-05, 12:02 AM

I've had great success using a 50/50 mix of simple green on a warm engine - - -hit the bad spots with concentrate and a small brush - - then rinse with a garden hose... repeat a couple times on the tough spots.

I use tire foam spray on the painted, polished and plastic parts (stay away from the belts) and wipe with a soft cloth.

Regards-

Alloydude · 05-24-05, 12:23 AM

I've heard good stories about simple green. I’ve also read somewhere that the solvents in engine cleaners such as Gunk could damage the fiberglass leaf springs.

Vettefan87 · 05-24-05, 12:43 AM

I have used engine junk, and simple green on my motor with no problems yet. Simple green is the poo for cleaning up the front suspension, with how dirty the shocks get, and the insides of the rims, but it does not like aluminum, so don't leave it on there long.

DMGroh · 06-02-05, 10:26 PM

When you get ticked off at the ol' ball & chain, grab her kitchen sink brush and use some "orange" hand cleaner. With the careful use of some water, it works pretty well in some places.

PLRX · 06-03-05, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alloydude

I've heard good stories about simple green. I’ve also read somewhere that the solvents in engine cleaners such as Gunk could damage the fiberglass leaf springs.

Simple Green is so good I tell my Marines that Simple Green removes freckles off.