Steam Cleaning my Engine?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 157
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From: Austin TX
Steam Cleaning my Engine?
My engine needs some good cleaning. Are there any cons to steam cleaning other than water in the Carb? I'm guessing I would put a bag over this and it should be fine.
Any other problem areas to avoid or not hit with a steam cleaner?
Any other problem areas to avoid or not hit with a steam cleaner?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 657
Likes: 99
From: Slidell Louisiana
[QUOTE=Bfail;1587672836]My engine needs some good cleaning. Are there any cons to steam cleaning other than water in the Carb? I'm guessing I would put a bag over this and it should be fine.
Any other problem areas to avoid or not hit with a steam cleaner?[/QUOTE
Cover distributor also.
Any other problem areas to avoid or not hit with a steam cleaner?[/QUOTE
Cover distributor also.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
[QUOTE=rajin cajin;1587672864]Good idea, anything else?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
The steam is superheated and under pressure. That means that it will be much hotter than 212*F (normal boiling point of water) and the pressure can damage wiring, etc.
I have had the underside of my car steam cleaned; but I probably wouldn't choose to do the topside of the engine...unless it was really crudded up.
If you decide to steam clean it, talk to the person doing the work and make sure that close, high pressure steam is not placed on carb, distributor, alternator, starter or wiring. Steam at some distance (12" or so) would be OK, I think. Remove the air cleaner and filter and cover the carb inlet with heavy vinyl [not plastic wrap] and duct tape. Also, pull one of the battery cables off before shooting it. Water is conductive. You don't want something 'weird' happening during that cleaning.
I have had the underside of my car steam cleaned; but I probably wouldn't choose to do the topside of the engine...unless it was really crudded up.
If you decide to steam clean it, talk to the person doing the work and make sure that close, high pressure steam is not placed on carb, distributor, alternator, starter or wiring. Steam at some distance (12" or so) would be OK, I think. Remove the air cleaner and filter and cover the carb inlet with heavy vinyl [not plastic wrap] and duct tape. Also, pull one of the battery cables off before shooting it. Water is conductive. You don't want something 'weird' happening during that cleaning.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I have steam cleaned all my vehicle engines...............
HOWEVER.......
I accidentally ruined several connectors/relays/etc. on a 25 year old vehicle......$300 worth of connectors and electronic parts.....aarrgghh!
THE STEAM MADE IT'S WAY INTO WATERPROOF CONNECTORS AND ELECTRONIC PARTS.....even with the main components wrapped ....
BE CAREFUL..............VERRRRRRRRRY CAREFUL.......or use a quality-rubber-friendly degreaser and rinse with a spray nozzle on a water hose!
HOWEVER.......
I accidentally ruined several connectors/relays/etc. on a 25 year old vehicle......$300 worth of connectors and electronic parts.....aarrgghh!
THE STEAM MADE IT'S WAY INTO WATERPROOF CONNECTORS AND ELECTRONIC PARTS.....even with the main components wrapped ....
BE CAREFUL..............VERRRRRRRRRY CAREFUL.......or use a quality-rubber-friendly degreaser and rinse with a spray nozzle on a water hose!
Last edited by doorgunner; Aug 24, 2014 at 10:04 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
Steam cleaning the engine bay of a Vette is not a really good idea, Especially if your not experienced in doing it as Gunner pointed out, You can ruin some expensive parts. Regular pressure washing is much more safer and with a good degreaser ( I use spray- nine) will get the job done. Just stay away from directly hitting the alternator and don't get to close to parts with decals and hood liners. Afterward I always use plenty of compressed air to blow of any standing water off the engine. I also use the air pressure to completely dry of all the electrical connectors and blow some air thru the alternator to make sure it is dry on the inside.
I have been doing my vehicles this way for years and have never had a problem. The key is using the air compressor to dry everything out. Oh, And never do it on a hot engine. You risk cracking your exhaust manifolds.
I have been doing my vehicles this way for years and have never had a problem. The key is using the air compressor to dry everything out. Oh, And never do it on a hot engine. You risk cracking your exhaust manifolds.
Last edited by persuader; Aug 24, 2014 at 11:33 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Maybe I should clarify, I'm not using one of the big expensive steamers, I was planning on buying the one listed below and going to town, but some of these post's are making me think twice now. Might just get a degreaser and use a power washer, but I would think a power washer could do a lot of damage too!
http://www.target.com/p/mcculloch-he...b7eGgLkJ_D_BwE
http://www.target.com/p/mcculloch-he...b7eGgLkJ_D_BwE
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,555
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Maybe I should clarify, I'm not using one of the big expensive steamers, I was planning on buying the one listed below and going to town, but some of these post's are making me think twice now. Might just get a degreaser and use a power washer, but I would think a power washer could do a lot of damage too!
http://www.target.com/p/mcculloch-he...b7eGgLkJ_D_BwE
http://www.target.com/p/mcculloch-he...b7eGgLkJ_D_BwE
Save some cash....do what the members suggested by going to a nearby coin operated hand-held spray wash......let the engine cool....spray on degreaser.....let soak/use a brush to break loose greasy areas....rinse with soapy spray pressure-wash....then with clear water pressure-spray.
Last edited by doorgunner; Aug 24, 2014 at 11:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Maybe I should clarify, I'm not using one of the big expensive steamers, I was planning on buying the one listed below and going to town, but some of these post's are making me think twice now. Might just get a degreaser and use a power washer, but I would think a power washer could do a lot of damage too!
http://www.target.com/p/mcculloch-he...b7eGgLkJ_D_BwE
http://www.target.com/p/mcculloch-he...b7eGgLkJ_D_BwE
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,173
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From: norway
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 4
From: Wichita Kansas
I used spray bottle filled with "Mean Green" that I purchased from the Dollar General Store (it's inexpensive but is great degreaser) and Permatex Hand Cleaner (without pumas, or whatever on sale) the hand cleaner great on areas that have markings and such. Elbow "grease" lots of old rags.. Came out pretty good.
Before
After
John
Before
After
John
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 27
From: Sonora CA
Back in the day...... I steamed hundreds of engines (at a local car dealership) with a high-pressure steam machine and had very little problems. However, there are some do's and dont's....
1. Do have the engine up to running temp. This helps the engine to dry out afterwards and the grease and grime will be softer, (than on a cold engine)
2. Do disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Do wear protective gear.
4. Do not spray anything that doesn't need it.
5. Do not attempt to connect the battery and start the car, UNTIL your reasonably sure that everything is dried out.
I used to park the car in the sun with the hood up, and wait a few hours.
1. Do have the engine up to running temp. This helps the engine to dry out afterwards and the grease and grime will be softer, (than on a cold engine)
2. Do disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Do wear protective gear.
4. Do not spray anything that doesn't need it.
5. Do not attempt to connect the battery and start the car, UNTIL your reasonably sure that everything is dried out.
I used to park the car in the sun with the hood up, and wait a few hours.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 4
From: Wichita Kansas
Mchar
I did replace the master cylinder. I should have rebuilt the one that was on it.. but I didn't know much a few years ago. I have a brass wire wheel on a small bench grinder that really cleans up metal.
I did replace the master cylinder. I should have rebuilt the one that was on it.. but I didn't know much a few years ago. I have a brass wire wheel on a small bench grinder that really cleans up metal.