Hey guy, I'm looking to clean up under my hood. My engine's got lots of miles on it, and really shows it. It's been leaking oil, and I'm trying to pinpoint where it's coming from, but I really need to clean it all off. I've been told by someone that I need to get it steam cleaned.. never heard of doing this before. What is it, what happens, how much, and where would I be looking to do this at? (I live in Philly, if that helps at all)

I worked at a car wash, and we used to spray out the engines with the power washers on full details, but I've heard that that can be bad for the car, then I've been told its not so bad, so which is it?! Please, help me clean my dirty oily engine!

The engine's up for a possible rebuild, but just need to see how bad things are to see if it's worth doing a rebuild. So right now I need it cleaned. Thanks.

 

Well others feel free to chime in, but when I was stationed in Germany and had to ship one of my cars (actually a Ford Ranger PU Truck), I had toclean the engine compartment so that it would be free of dirt, bugs, etc...and it would pass the US Customs inspections. I went offbase used the local car wash (power wash). Iused thatthing all over the engine compartment and it came out squeaky clean.I used the engine cleaning solution already available at the wash, then I rinsed it well. Needless to say...it passed the Customs inspections. Never had an issue with or problem starting the vehicle. But I was very careful not to over do the parts that were exposed (i.e,alternator, etc.). It worked for me....again...let's hear it from other folks.

 

I would spray an all purpose cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse off with a hose. Then turn on the vehicle andlet it run for about five minutes for it to dry.Now you can apply some kindof dressing to all ofthe plastic parts to keep them looking good. I wouldn't use a pressure washer because it can cause damage to seals and such on the engine. You could also use a steamer but it isn't really needed, you have to be really careful and you don't want to put the steam directly on any electrical parts. Make sure you cover up the alternator anytime you spray any water on the engine.

 

Once you get it "degreased" under there, get some CD-2 Engine Detailer and spray it on as Jusin eluded to. That stuff is the bomb