Steam cleaning the engine.

[Gavv8]

I've done a search and had a look through the guides but can't find a good answer so what is the best way to steam clean my engine bay ready for winter?, its a standard 8v mk3 so what needs protecting and what are the vulnerable places, can i use a pressure washer or is steam the way forward.
Thanks

[Murrayedition35]

Try this link. 

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/caring-for-modern-engines.html

[DCmk3]

I know most people say a definite No to high pressure washers and engines, but with all of my cars, I have washed the engines with the pressure washer and had no problems, just dont spray directly on the distributor or leads/cables.
I just lightly spray leads if they have oil on them, and blast the hell out of all the metal parts if there's any oil or dirt on them. 


Just an hour ago I blasted down my engine due to some oil from the old valve cover gasket leaking onto the inlet manifold.
And even with all the hosing down with the pressure washer it started up first time without missing a beat.

[Gavv8]

Try this link. 

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/caring-for-modern-engines.html

Thanks bud, thats really helpful and yeah i think i'm going to degrease and hose and maybe use pressure for the inner wings/rocker cover etc.

[butler2.8i]

I use a spray bottle with APC in it and a soft detailing brush to aggitate any dirt, then rinsed using my pressure washer then dressed using Megs Hyper dressing

[Guy]

with the 8v mk3 you have to watch the front of the engine block where the HT leads meet the plugs.. can be a source of water ingress and also water can pool in these sockets and cause very lumpy running... i speaketh from experience

make sure these, alternator, and any electrical plugs etc are well covered

otherwise as Shaun and others have said.. APC, agitate, pressure wash and then dress with dressing of choice.. i use autosmart finish

[Gavv8]

Thanks

[Seanl]

All available from your local halfrauds, - Gunk degreaser, put into a small pot and brushed on using a hard bristle brush. Use gunk on a cloth, then wipe off with a damp cloth afterward on all electrical components (dizzy, multi core socket, coil, and alternator) then cover them. pressure wash off, being careful around the spark plug sockets as Guy said, then dress using Megs Hyper dressing. The dressing gives it a bit of gloss and protection, as the Gunk leaves it looking really dry. Simples. Be prepared for flaking paint on the rocker cover if it has any paint left as well!