engine cleaning???

[tekhen]

To the experts out there....
Aside from cosmetics is steam cleaning an engine any good, especially on an older car?

[II kings 9:20]

I have had it done on a couple of old cars, great for a clean engine but no effect on anything else good or bad. I have also used spray on engine cleaner and hosed off/wiped down with good results.

[5point7]

I use Castrol Super Clean on engine and wheels...just don't spray it on alum intakes.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by tekhen

To the experts out there....
Aside from cosmetics is steam cleaning an engine any good, especially on an older car?

If you are talking hot, pure steam vapour (230 - 260 degrees F), then yes, it is a very effective way to clean old engines. The vapour converts grease into tiny particles that just fall away. Because the steam is distilled, it has no electrical conductivity ability. It is safe on electrics. If used properly, it will not harm paint or plastics.

If an area is quite greasy, applying a degreaser first, and leaving it on for 30 minutes, before steaming, will be more effective.

Hope this helps.

[joecool72]

By removing dirt and road grime from your engine and compartment allows the engine to run much cooler. So in that instance, it is a very good service to do aside from a cosmetic look.

Just be careful when doing this. On older cars without electronics you could go to a local car wash that allows engine cleaning and use a pressure washer to spray the engine after using a foaming engine cleaner. The only problem with foaming cleaner is that it may eat away paint in some areas. You may want to do a small section and see what it does on your car. On more recent cars with more electronics, use Simple Green Automotive cleaner. This is biodegradable so you can use it in your driveway and just use a garden hose to slowly rinse off or use paper towels to clean in more sensitive areas.

Good luck!!!

[II kings 9:20]

Simple green is good, I don't know but I hope the car wash places have a grease trap because the drain water is recycled to wash your car.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

Simple green is good, I don't know but I hope the car wash places have a grease trap because the drain water is recycled to wash your car.

I do not recommend using a pressure washer on the engine.

Too much force.
Too much water.
Not a good degreaser.
Good way to get water in the wrong places - air filter; fuse box; wiring harnesses, etc.

[turbomangt]

Some great tips posted here, Here are some pics of an engine detail I did not long ago. no steam cleaner was used, just old fashion labor of love and skill. Remember NOT to use a solvent based dressing in the engine bay, it can ignite, stick with a water based dressing only, for more information on this topic and other professional advice, check out www.perfectautofinish.com

[mikes]

Originally Posted by joecool72

use Simple Green Automotive cleaner. This is biodegradable so you can use it in your driveway and just use a garden hose to slowly rinse off or use paper towels to clean in more sensitive areas.

Be careful using this concentrated as it will eat the clear coat off your paint. A friend had that happen to him.

[II kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

I do not recommend using a pressure washer on the engine.

Too much force.
Too much water.
Not a good degreaser.
Good way to get water in the wrong places - air filter; fuse box; wiring harnesses, etc.

All good points, water always wins, if using these systems don't pull the high pressure trigger. Best to do at home if you don't mind oil and solvent in your driveway and lawn.