21 replies to this topic

[Mini_Rob_Cov]

hey guys
I've been thinking about getting my grimey engine steam cleaned, but i'm not sure about it, what with all the electrics and what-not.

What do you guys think?

Anyone had it done before?

[rozzer!]

hey guys
I've been thinking about getting my grimey engine steam cleaned, but i'm not sure about it, what with all the electrics and what-not.

What do you guys think?

Anyone had it done before?

just done it on an spi in work. leave the engine running, spray the cleaner over everything and then powerwash off. may need to do this a couple of times to get the muck off. dont do this with the engine off as it more than likely wont start again! give it a few minutes to dry out and then it should be ok to switch off.

[benjy]

its better not to use a pressure washer as that forces water into places it shouldnt be.

best way is to spray the cleaner onto the engine, let it dwell for a while (20mins) and then agitate with a brush.

rinse it with the open end of a hose pipe or watering can ie no pressure. to stop water geting into vital electrics use wd40 or plastic bags or tin foil. run the engine to aid drying and mop up any puddles with a cloth

[Dog]

Don't forget to "shrinkwrap" the carb, Dizzy, and other such electrics...

[rozzer!]

as someone who "actually works in the trade!" and does this quite a lot i do know what i am talking about. there isnt a problem if the engine is running as the water is kept a little at bay. if the engine isnt running then this is when problems occur.
if you realkly wanty to dry it out then use an air line as the air pressure will blow the water away from the electrics.

Edited by fifi the shiney, 04 November 2007 - 10:50 PM.

[Dog]

as someone who "actually works in the trade!" and does this quite a lot i do know what i am talking about. there isnt a problem if the engine is running as the water is kept a little at bay. if the engine isnt running then this is when problems occur.

And what are you tring to imply Terry? That I've never washed an engine before?

I do also, work in the trade, only I don't just do car engines! I think the last thing that Rob wants is an engine full of water due to him not plugging the hole...

[rozzer!]

as someone who "actually works in the trade!" and does this quite a lot i do know what i am talking about. there isnt a problem if the engine is running as the water is kept a little at bay. if the engine isnt running then this is when problems occur.

And what are you tring to imply Terry? That I've never washed an engine before?

I do also, work in the trade, only I don't just do car engines! I think the last thing that Rob wants is an engine full of water due to him not plugging the hole...

u seem to be on a roll tonight dog, every post i put up or reply to you seem to either go one better or make me look bad.

[Dog]

Oh and to add...

To help the road dirt/oil/grease come off easier, use a cleaning product such as Gunk, or Jiser, eave it soak for 10mins, then go at it with the steam gun, if it hasn't got most of the crud off, soak it again, and repeat

I did this when I got my 1380 engine block, and when I decided to give my 998 a clean... works a treat

[mike.]

Gunk does the job perfectly. i'v just done my engine and made such i used loads of gunk I just kept sprayin it on all over the place, layer after layer of it then hosed it off. It did a grand job - the blocvk was perfectly clean - ready for paint

[Mini_Rob_Cov]

hmmmm, i think i shall purchace some Gunk and steam cleaner. one of those little ones mothers use to clean between the tiles in the bathroom, its not so wet.
Where can i buy Gunk, i've never heard of it before. Is it something thats available in most auto shops?

Then all i have to do is paint it, maybe red

[Dog]

All good shops like HellFrauds (helfords) sell it

If you go about painting your engine, use proper engine paint, otherwise, it'll peel off under the heat

[mike.]

Yeah its easily availible - I got mine from halfords in a spray tin. You can get it in brush on form too, ut its harder to get into crevices.

[Mini_Rob_Cov]

Is gunk expencive? I'm trying to look after the pennies because i've got my car booked into the garage to get ma fuel guage sorted tuesday and i duno how much they'll charge for that, they'll probably take ma wallet and say 'that'll do' haha

[mike.]

its about a fiver for a can easily big enough to do a mini engine.

[benjy]

a good cleaner fluid is chemical guys strong wash. it can be bought from here

www.carwashnwax.co.uk

or www.cleanandshiny.co.uk