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Author Topic: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???  (Read 2200 times)

Offline Leroy

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Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« on: 19 April 2013, 13:03 »
After spending a good grand on my 16v anni, its mechanically where it needs to be, but the engine is filthy, people say steam cleaning is a good idea, brings it up a treat no problems, others say its a sure fire way of causing endless problems with electrics, etc.

Anyone got any advice on this?
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Offline Adam

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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #1 on: 19 April 2013, 13:18 »
I did my mk3 some of the precautions I did were spray WD40 onto all electrical connectors. Taped up and bagged up as many electrical components as I could.
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Offline GOLF-MK3-GTI

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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #2 on: 19 April 2013, 13:28 »
Quote from: Adam on 19 April 2013, 13:18
I did my mk3 some of the precautions I did were spray WD40 onto all electrical connectors. Taped up and bagged up as many electrical components as I could.

This, But spray from a distance, not to close up. Alos use some engine de-greaser. you get a foam sort of thing. use this. Think its called something like "gunk"  :grin:

Need to do mine too. Done it 4 years ago, when me brother owned the car. but its looking terrible again.  :cry:
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Offline Godzilla

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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #3 on: 19 April 2013, 19:02 »
As above really!

Buy some spray Gunk and leave it for 5-10 mins before jetting the engine.  Cover up all electrics especially HT leads where they drop in and the coil. Have some WD-40 to hand, if the car splutters after you have jetted the engine they take each HT leads off and spray WD-40 down there, problem solved!

Once you have a bit more time take the inlet mani' off and give it a really good hand clean, then the rocker cover etc.....I made my Valver engine look like new over a few weeks from just taking a few bits off here and there and taking them indoors and cleaning them!
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Offline danmusic24

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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #4 on: 20 April 2013, 07:58 »
After jet washing my golf years ago I ended up replacing my ecu due to a short circut somewhere! I would disconnect battery before any steam or jet washing  :wink:
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Offline Ess_Three

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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #5 on: 20 April 2013, 11:16 »
I have never taken any precautions with any engine, over the last 20+ years.

Gunk it, brush it in, leave it 10 mins, snow foam/de-greaser next, then hose off with a normal hose or power washer with the pressure turned down...and start the engine to dry everything off.

Maybe I've just been lucky...but I was under the impression the engine bay connectors were waterproof, since it gets covered in water on a wet day.
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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #6 on: 20 April 2013, 11:22 »
I just run the engine while I'm rinsing down with a fine mist from the garden hose.
Great way to see if your HT leads are breaking down :grin:
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Offline Leroy

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Re: Steam cleaning engine, is this a big no no???
« Reply #7 on: 22 April 2013, 11:33 »
Right gunk stuff it is then, then i'll hose the thing down, will save me a few quid, bet i'm not as lucky as you guys and it ends up breaking!!!

Halfrauds for the gunk? or has anyone got a link?
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