Has anyone ever tried steam cleaning their engine?

My b18 is asking for a well needed cleaning. I just want to know if anyone ever tried it by themselves and if it works. Also, can it harm the engine or any parts of the engine(or under the hood)?

 

ive done it many many times last year. shouldnt mess up anything in the engine, u can just spray it down. it cleans it ok, but didnt impress me much. dont get it too close to the paint, it can start chipping

 

I'm curious about this too. And what kind of steamer would you use to do this?

 

:thinking:

 

Get you some Simple Green in a spray bottle and go to the local high pressure do-it-yourself car wash. Leave the engine RUNNING. Spray the Simple Green on the particularly grimy parts and let it sit while you pump quarters into the machine. Hose the engine down using the high pressure cold water RINSE setting.

Be careful because the water comes out at HIGH PRESSURE! Pay particular attention around the fins of the radiator and condensor. Also, don't pump 100 gallons of H2O into the alternator. A quick once-over is all you need.

The benefit of this method is that you don;t use too many harsh chemicals that can corrode the aluminum and deteriorate the rubber hoses and seals. Also, you don't have the heat from steam.

If you don't have a high pressure DIY car wash in your area you can accomplish the same thing with some Simple Green, a coarse brush, your garden hose and some elbow grease.

I've been doing this on all the cars I service for 20 years with EXCELLENT results.

Good Luck !

 

Locate and be careful around ur freeze plugs too if u use a pressure washer. kinda sucks tearing down ur motor just bcause u wanted it pretty

 

my friend just bought an Si and the engine was the most dirty thing ever. all we did was washed the car with car wash then used a little on the engine bay. used baking soda on the battery. and it was cleaner than it would be with a steam cleaner.

 

Yeah, Ive washed mine down with degreaser as well. Sexy.

Tip: a little armor all or tire shine sprayed correctly gives a nice lasting shine after its been degreased, specially on all the hoses. Helps preserve them also.

 

Dont use cold water on a warm engine though. Carefull around electronice (lights,dizzy). Careful around the brake and clutch reservoirs. They have a small hole in the cap.

 

You guys know that most auto parts store stock engine cleaner right?