steam cleaning the engine bay

[aporschefan]

I was talking to a friend about this and started wondering if this is a good idea. The engine bay in my car is ok but I wouldn't mind it being cleaner.

If one was to have the engine bay steam cleaned, could this cause any damage?

I guess there is the obvious danger of electrics. Are there other options worth considering instead of a steam clean?

 

[Mike_Pollock]

I would not steam clean an engine after a friend did loads of damage to a similarly Bosch FI equipped car.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Agreed. Elbow grease is the best, and cheapest, product. []

 

[zcacogp]

Never done it, but I have used a jetwasher to do the same. Steam cleaning is meant to be safer.

I didn't have any problems, but always take great care where I point the jet. Never aiming it at anything electrical is a good way to go, and it does make the big lumpy metal bits look a fair bit tidier.


Oli.

 

[vitesse]

You can buy Gunk in aerosols-spray everywhere-wash off with a decent hosepipe spray-or cover "delicate" items with cling film & steam clean the rest.

 

[Christopher I Ralph]

Once the engine and compartment are clean, lightly spray the engine and ancillaries with water and then with AutoGlym's Vinyl and Rubber Care and you will have a superb satin finish that looks like new, once it dries.
See: http://www.autoglym.co.uk/enGB/askexpert.asp?QuestionID=3444