Engine Wash And Clean

[HSRAM57]

Hi Guys,i Know Its Sounds Crazy To Ask This Question,but I Dont' Want To Take Any Chances On Knackering Something Up!
Can Anyone Advise Me How To Clean Off My Engine.
I Asked An ( Expert !!) Car Valeter And He Said He Could Not Do It As He Might Get Water Or Chemicals In Some Part Of The Engine Area That Might Knacker The Car!!!

Any Help?? Thanks To You All. Marsh.

C200 Elegance......GENERAL OIL AND DIRT .

 

[mike65]

Please Dont Use Captials With Every Word!

Opinions really do iffer on this question. I would not steam clean my engine though God knows it needs that sort of power on it. The wise course of action is to use elbow grease and a spray or paint on cleaner which you then wipe away with rags and then follow up with a lighter detergent and more rags and kitchen towel until your arms ache! Sure its harder work but as the valeter said using water under pressure risks screwing up the electrics and stripping away lubricants (often in hard to reach places).

 

[mlc]

I think your valeter is being careful - and rightly so cos he doesnt want a claim on his hands.

I have been pressure washing engines for as long as I can remember without problem, but you use common sense. That means be careful around the electrics, air intake etc. The advantages are that when you do your weekly checks any leaks are easy to spot and if you are unlucky and need to do a road side repair youre not going to get too dirty.

Unless things have changed since I left the transport industry all HGV's have to be steam cleaned before MOT, and that includes the engine and engine compartment so it cant be that bad.

Mark.

 

[pascal]

Problem is,

Modern MBs have so much electrics under the hood.

 

[jberks]

I used to clean my old cars with a pressure washer, just putting a plastic bag over the distributer, and blowing out the ends of the plug leads when I'd finished - remembering to do it with the engine running. However, looking at the wiring and sensitive electronics all over my V6 - I wouldn't attempt it!

If necessary, I'd brush a little gunk on and gently rinse off with a low pressure hose, being VERY careful.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I would admit to using a spray can of Gunk and low pressure water, one of these little spray bottles they use for spraying plants..........or spraying your hair at a hair dressers to keepit wet. Need to be careful withthe water volume and where you spray it, elbow grease is best.

 

[philharve]

How to clean the engine and compartment?

Hi All

When I bought my MB 3 months ago the dealer lifted the bonnet and you could eat off any of the internal surfaces, including the engine. I haven't looked beneath the bonnet since for fear of what I might find.

I figured the engine must have been cleaned recently but by what method?

I can imagine that a high pressure water sprayer could result in water ingress into the delicate electronics or engine. However, water alone wouldn't remove the oily deposits. I considered steam cleaning but not having used such equipment before I couldn't guess at what kind of damage this cleaning method could do?

I have read the earlier threads and appreciate that a gently, gently approach would reduce the risks but it seems like a lot of hard work. If I leave a film of oil it might reduce the possibility of rust breaking out. Maybe leaving it alone is the best option, after all I'm not entering it into a competition where concourse condition and spotless presentation matters.

Is there a comprise solution, one which is quick and yet doesn't damage the electrics or engine components?

REGARDS Phil