Steam Cleaning the Engine?

[light warrior]

I know this may sound a dumb question but what is the best way to clean an engine? The engine is in situ.

Is it a good Idea to steam clean an engine or would it be better to have it done professionally if so what are the costs and options

 

[Bazzle]

I normally just use normal garden hose.
First step is to put some cling wrap over areas you are worried about (I dont )
Secondly I spray degreaser from an aerolsol where I need it.
Thirdly I hose it all off.

I repeat later if it didnt all come off.
These degreasers are water soluble so I just flush residue onto the grass.

bazzle

 

[Alex Argent]

I have read on this forum previously that steam cleaning and/or high pressure jetting is not recommended by MB due to the high amount of electronics in the engine bay.
Apparently (someone please correct me if I'm wrong here) neither the engine ECU (and combined gearbox ECU if auto fitted) or the ABS ECU electronics housings are completely 100% watertight and could lead to catastrophic results if water/steam penetration occurs . So however you do it, my advice would be to take suitable precautions to temporarily seal the relevant 'bits' beforehand somehow, or live with a dirty engine bay! As Bazzle says, cling film would seem to be a good starting point. Just don't forget to remove it after everything has thoroughly dried!
**Edit** - whoops, just seen your model. Doubt if you have too much electronics there, but still worthwhile taking certain precautions.

 

[uumode]

I normally spray a bit of engine cleaner (I use gunk http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=18707&type=0&cat=289 ) on the really gunky bits - usually most of the under engine stuff is dust and normal water and shampoo will suffice, unless you have some major leaks. Another damp cloth/sponge with shampoo to wipe away the dusty bits on the other bits. Sometimes the engine block (if that is the correct term) has a bit of grain in it, so a tooth brush is required to work out the dirt.

Avoid the bits which are pointed out on the engine cleaner container.

Rinse and switch on engine to dry it out.

Then spray on engine dressing to gleam up the rubber and plastic bits like new.

before
http://www.firefire.plus.com/before.jpg


after 1
http://www.firefire.plus.com/after1.JPG

after 2
http://www.firefire.plus.com/after2.JPG

 

[kbhogalW126]

uumode

how long do you keep the gunk on for?

thanks,

KJ

 

[uumode]

perhaps 5 mins - 10 mins or so as I go around scubbing.
Normally not much is needed as I already pointed out, most dirt is sort of road dust which comes off easily.

 

[light warrior]

Thanks for the advice guys, I was looking for an easy way to clean the engine and bay lol! doesn't look like there is one, so tooth brush at the ready lol!

Hi Alex, it's a retro MB dude, but a testament to MB's build quality, I have just bought a; dare I say it, L**us LS400 (The missus made me do it ) but will not get rid of the 190 I want to restore it to its former glory, though she doesn't need too much work. (The 190 not the missus lol!)

Best regards Lee