Steam clean?

[Arsen_Design]

Hey all,

I got my e30 and the engine bay is pretty greasy...
Im thinking of taking it for a steam clean - but want to be sure if the steam clean could trigger any leaks or damage belts???

Cheers,
M.

[scjimbo]

Alright M

I'm no expert by any means. However I looked into this some time ago, the bloke that does steam cleaning local to me refused to do my car on the grounds that is seriously f ooks these old engines up. Thats assuming you have the original lump in situ.

HTH

[e30topless]

a better alternative is a quality de-greaser or Tfr solution and a brush
then just rinse away with a hose

[Stonkin]

Totally agree with the above. A good All Purpose Cleaner or degreaser with a selection of brushes is a much better idea. Cover any major electrical parts with cling film, or avoid them, cover open air filters etc. I wouldnt have a problem with using a jet wash for rinsing, but there is no need to even have it switched on, just a gentle flow.

There is no quick, safe way to clean an engine bay, good old elbow grease, probably scrapped knuckles and common sense.

Run the engine for 5 mins once done to ensure all is ok and to dry out certain areas.

Aerospace 303 is a very good product to dress rubbers and plastics once completed. Being a water based product, this is better applied whilst the engine bay is still wet. Close the bonnet and return after a few hours to inspect your hard work

Christian

[polsta]

there actualy is a qquick easy way...Autoglym engine cleaner, from halfords etc, get a bottle of that and a brush,some plastic bags and cling film and tape , and cover/wrap up any electrical areas/connections around the engine bay

then just spray the cleaner over the whole engine bay and work in with a brush as you go , leaving it for a feww mins, then rinse it off with a watering can or gentle hose

youl be quite amazed at the results !!! take you half an hour

then you can set about cleaning plastics and detailng it ,if you wish

[Mitchen]

Would be good if we could get a picture of what's best to cover in an engine bay if a mechanical novice like me was going to try this.

Always wanted to give my engine bay a proper clean but always been worried that I would miss something that needed covering, or my hard graft and elbow grease would disrupt a pipe or something and cause an issue!