engine steamclean

[awrightaz]

I would like to have the engine steamcleaned to get rid of 10 years of gunk and crap off the bottom of the engine.

Are there any sensitive components around the engine/transmission that would make this procedure risky?

[Q45tech]

Besides the RTV and all sensors and harness connectors and everything rubber.

[awrightaz]

Hmm. Good point. I'll stick with paper towels and a toothbrush.

[jEzTeR]

I knew a place that used to do steamcleanings and I went there last week.They said that they do not do that any longer due to all of the sensitive electronics of todays motors.A light degreeser lots of rags and a spray bottle with water in it can work for you.Good Luck!;)

[Q451990]

Tech,

So are you saying steam cleaning is a bad idea? Last time I heard this was your preferred method on the Q, with the hood open and engine running until everything dried off...

Do you still think this is the best method, or should I do something else?

Heath

[Q45tech]

No NO a spray self serve car wash wand held 4-5 feet away spraying warm soapy water is a lot different and safer than STEAM CLEANING................rise and run till dry.

Superheated steam destroys rubber and plastic.

[nuQ]

should the engine be running while spraying it down, have heard about the water shorting out electronics.

[float_6969]

I used to wash my engine bay all the time with the hand held at the car wash and I've never had one problem. Just make sure the car is running, and don't get real close to anything, just spray from about 4 feet back. It works great, makes the engine look nicer and it's a HECK of a lot nicer to work on a clean engine.

[greg_atlanta]

Get a few spray cans of brake parts cleaner. It works magic on heavy greasy gunk. Also easy to point and shoot.

Use a few cans of that on the nasty parts and then use another generic cleaner like dish soap or Simple Green. (Mr. Clean works great!)

Good idea to rinse the engine at a DIY car wash but be careful not to spray too much water directly at the engine since it'll puddle up in the V. Do it when the engine is hot and running, and don't directly spray the belts.

Takes several steps to get it right but better than messing something up with a steam cleaning.

[DAEDALUS]

Warm is good; I would not recommend spraying the engine when hot. Good way to ruin seals and gaskets..could even crack the block or heads.

[cdiver]

Great. The dealership that screwed up my valve covers gaskets, throwing oil all over the inside of my engine compartment, assured me that steam cleaing wouldn't hurt anything. Honestly, really, how bad is it? Can anything be done about it now?

Stephen

[jEzTeR]

Well Q45tech stated the "Superheated steam destroys rubber and plastic" so if your car is new this might not be such a problem.I see that your Q is a 94,so you may want to look into this a bit more.Sounds to me like the dealership wanted the fast way out?Hope they didnt do too much damage.

[AZhitman]

I disagree with washing at a car wash. You are applying cool water to parts that exceed 180 degrees.

I prefer to roll the Q out of the garage with a cool engine, cover all electronic connections w/ Saran Wrap, spray liberally with degreaser and/or Simple Green, scrub bad spots with toothbrush, scrub the rest with a washcloth, then rinse gently. Then I take the 220mph leaf blower to the whole thing (to get the water out of the Vee) until it's dry. Then hose dressing, belt dressing and VOILA!!!

Start and drive - I'm convinced any car runs better with a clean engine.

[myRed240]

hmmm, maybe there's an environmentally friendly way to do all of this?

[90Q45blue]

Heh, I don't think there's anything environmentally kind about a 4.5L V8 anyways.

Nick

[AZhitman]

EXACTLY why we love 'em.

Besides, they're cleaner than a new Ford 4.6 (and leak less oil).

[LAQ]

I cleaned my q with nothing covered. sprayed with engine gunk remover and just spray the s*** out of all the dirt , leaves, grimes that were left by the previous owner.

i can not stand the dirty engine compartment.

[Chally]

An engine at normal operating temp wont get hurt by spraying water, but if the car has been for a good flogging, then problems may occur.

I use a good degreaser & I let it soak for 5 minutes, then just wash it off under low pressure. I then drain the valley with a syphon & make sure the engine keeps running for a good 10 minutes.

You'll only get problems using High Pressure & where the connectors are broken or loose fitting. That includes the cover on the back of the plug.