Steam clean your engine first !!

[cmayna]

I cannot stress how important this is before you start changing plugs, wires, intake maniford gaskets, etc. Though it may cost me $50 to clean each of my 91 and 96 EB's, when I lift those hoods, the engines smile back at me with a big thanks. Your clothing, tools, garage floor also say "thanks".

It's like working on a brand new vehicle. No oils grease and grime to deal with. It also gives you the ability to help locate your little leaks that you've been wondering about.

As NIKE says: Just do it !!

 

[93exploer4x4]

where can i get this done at

 

[cmayna]

I looked in the yellow pages under "steam". Yes there aren't too many outlets who do this anymore due to the enormous cost to have the sludge recycled, but you can find them. Also look under car detailing. Next week I'm going to have my wife's minivan engine done as well so I can start looking for the leaks, etc.

 

[Kevex]

cmayna-- you sound just like me, I have to get my wife's minivan cleaned to look for leaks also, wouldn't happen to be a Dodge would it?

 

[cmayna]

Same family. It's a 92 Grand Voyager and tonight I found the leak. Oil pan gasket (I'm at least 90% certain). All the bolts are clean and ready for removal. I really don't think a local gas station would charge too much to replace the gasket compared to the time I would use setting up, draining the old oil, cleaning out the pan really good and then replacing the gasket. Will ponder over a glass of wine tonight : - )

 

[mach1460]

when i was 17 i was driving my dads 1994 voyager and i ramped up a curb and ran over a sign, it ripped the oil pan off. haha just thought id add that

 

[DarkFox1]

riiight hehe, well I can't speak for dodge.. but..

whats something like this cost? any danger to your electronics? everyone I talk to pretty much says taht you will fry the electronics ifyou use any kind of mass spray cleaning at all.

 

[cmayna]

It costs me $50 which includes the sides and bottom side of the engine. I'm really not surprised to hear that the spray "could" harm the electronics, but since many of the dealers use this practice when they are preparing to sell a trade in and since most top repair shops do this,
I felt it is ok and have never had a problem. My wife's van stood in line behind to Jag's and a Benz waiting for the same service. I don't think dealers would jeapordize such vehicles....

 

[AdamsGuitar]

If improperly done it can damage your battery, distributor, or anything else that has either exposed electrical connections or connections hidden behind removable insulation (such as plug wires). However, any dealer or detail shop worth its salt covers these connections prior to any cleaning work. The risk isn't too bad with them uncovered, and it's negligible with them covered.

I just had this done on Saturday, actually. Go for it, the difference is remarkable!

 

[DarkFox1]

hrmm, well the price is right.. the risk is not..

I talked to a compay about this.. they said they are not liable if anything electrical fails.. even if I can trace it and 100% prove that their chemicals or lack of care steps caused the failure. They said one has to sign an agreement upon dropping your car at any auto detailer, that voids them of any responsibility of your car.. even if it burns to the ground because they dropped a cigerette inside.

I still wanna have it detailed tho.. so I dunno.

 

[cmayna]

Living in the SF bay area, I take risks getting behind the wheel, so I'm use to taking risks especially when I hear that the risks are low. For as often as one has their engines cleaned, I feel it's pretty safe. Next weekend, my pride and joy (50' chevy pickup) is going in for a shower too. It's been "jealous as heck"that the fords have been getting all of the attention lately.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Originally posted by DarkFox1
hrmm, well the price is right.. the risk is not..

I talked to a compay about this.. they said they are not liable if anything electrical fails.. even if I can trace it and 100% prove that their chemicals or lack of care steps caused the failure. They said one has to sign an agreement upon dropping your car at any auto detailer, that voids them of any responsibility of your car.. even if it burns to the ground because they dropped a cigerette inside.

I still wanna have it detailed tho.. so I dunno.

They might say that, but I signed no such waiver when I took mine in.

 

[cmayna]

I'm with AdamsGuitar,
Never really heard anyone mention bad things about having this done, nor did I have to sign any waiver.

 

[ajevenson]

Is there a big difference between steam cleaning your engine as opposed to spraying engine degreaser on a moderatly warm engine, waiting 10 minutes and then spraying clean with a pressure washer?

 

[DarkFox1]

I looked at that too.. I would imagine steam cleaning results are MUCH better.. but... have no proof.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

There is an amazing difference. Degreaser will make it look a bit better, but in my experience (used it on a 1984 S-10 Blazer, 1993 Accord, and a 1995 Town Car) degreaser doesn't work all that well. Steam cleaning my 1995 EB made it look brand new (no exaggeration).

 

[cmayna]

The guys who cleaned my engines, spray a degreaser first onto all the dirtiest areas to help cut it down, then follow with the steam spray. Remember like so many other applications, a hot spray will cut through grease and oils much easier and quicker as compared to a cold water spray. My guys have this big ole boiler right next to where they clean your engines. Poor thing works overtime. Wednesday their cleaning my chevy engine.

 

[cmayna]

Here's a test for those who have their own home high power washers. Try spraying an obvious dirty area of say, your driveway using regular tap water from the garden hose. Disconnect the garden hose from the spigot and connect it to the bottom of your water heater, which many have a spigot also. Now wash the same area (but be care not to burn your toes). You should be able to see how much better and quicker, hot water does as compared to cold.

I would not do this to my own vehicles on my driveway due to the mess the grime and oils would make. Most of the fees are based upon paying recycling companies to come out and clean out the steamer's sump tanks once a month....

 

[DarkFox1]

lol, I wish I hadn't read this post.. I'm like "hrmm.. this kind of thing is exactly what my belair needs" lol now I'm gonna run up a bill!

wouldn't most auto detailing places do this? or should I ask for "steam cleaning" by name? I didn't get any procedural details on getting my engine bay cleaned by the places I called.

also.. aren't you worried about paint coming off?

 

[cmayna]

DarkFox1,
Belair ? My kinda guy. The only paint I'm worried about is the orange paint on my 50' chevy's engine block. I'll need to cover my distributor, Oil bath air cleaner and anyother item that strong water pressure could invade.

I believe after a couple discussions with my local autodetailer is the enviromental costs to get rid of the engine sludge everymonth is the main reason why lots of people don't offer steam cleaning. I'm looking in my yellow pages and find only 3 people in the SF bay area. I would expect more to be present in more rural areas.