Thinking of getting the engine steam washed, am I asking for trouble?
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Hi there, really no need to do this.....I've done several cars recently and its so simple.
Cover any sensitive electronics if required with a plastic bag
Using a spray degreaser possibly combined with a hot soapy water solution, simply spray the affected areas and wipe down.
Get yourself an old 2" paintbrush or similar for those nooks and crannies and hard to reach areas.......spray liberally with the degreaser and hot soapy water solution then use the brush to agitate and wipe as required.
You can if required use a slow running garden hose, but it shouldn't be necessary to totally saok the engine.
Once all wiped down, cleaned n dried off you can use a wet n black type product to give the plastics a new lease of life.
I'm not a detailer but have done several cars using this method and got great results, with zero issues
BEFORE....
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xj-xj6-xjr6-x300-26/47218-thinking-getting-engine-steam-washed-am-i-asking-trouble-astraenginebayscuttle1-1.jpg?dateline=1372983521)
AFTER....
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xj-xj6-xjr6-x300-26/47219-thinking-getting-engine-steam-washed-am-i-asking-trouble-astraenginebayafter.jpg?dateline=1372983521)
BEFORE....
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xj-xj6-xjr6-x300-26/47220-thinking-getting-engine-steam-washed-am-i-asking-trouble-p1010014-1.jpg?dateline=1372983521)
AFTER...
![](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/attachments/xj-xj6-xjr6-x300-26/47221-thinking-getting-engine-steam-washed-am-i-asking-trouble-p1010020.jpg?dateline=1372983521)
Ok so they're not concours standard or perfect by any means but the difference is like night n day......It really depends on what level you want to take it to I guess?
Hope this helps some.......
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Selsoft (07-05-2013)
#5
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I do it myself buy a few cans of cheap degreaser put a nozzle from WD40 can on it
I can direct the degreaser where I want it to go
I avoid all the electronics or wrap them in plastic then wash of with hot water from the tap using the garden hose connected to the washing machine hot water outlet
I also use the water on very low pressure as not to get it everywhere
learned this technique from using a pressure washer and wondering why my car or motorbike didn't run properly afterwards
Modern cars and bikes dont like water getting in everywhere and pressure washers and steam cleaners have very small water droplets that get in everywhere
just my 2 cents worth
I can direct the degreaser where I want it to go
I avoid all the electronics or wrap them in plastic then wash of with hot water from the tap using the garden hose connected to the washing machine hot water outlet
I also use the water on very low pressure as not to get it everywhere
learned this technique from using a pressure washer and wondering why my car or motorbike didn't run properly afterwards
Modern cars and bikes dont like water getting in everywhere and pressure washers and steam cleaners have very small water droplets that get in everywhere
just my 2 cents worth
The following users liked this post:
Selsoft (07-05-2013)
#6
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Cover any sensitive electronics if required with a plastic bag
Using a spray degreaser possibly combined with a hot soapy water solution, simply spray the affected areas and wipe down.
Get yourself an old 2" paintbrush or similar for those nooks and crannies and hard to reach areas.......spray liberally with the degreaser and hot soapy water solution then use the brush to agitate and wipe as required.
Once all wiped down, cleaned n dried off you can use a wet n black type product to give the plastics a new lease of life.
Hope this helps some.......
This helps a lot! I appreciate the before and after photos too!
The level you have achieved is good enough for me, so, I will work on replicating what you have done ...Thanks!
#7
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I do it myself buy a few cans of cheap degreaser put a nozzle from WD40 can on it
I can direct the degreaser where I want it to go
I avoid all the electronics or wrap them in plastic then wash of with hot water from the tap using the garden hose connected to the washing machine hot water outlet
I also use the water on very low pressure as not to get it everywhere
learned this technique from using a pressure washer and wondering why my car or motorbike didn't run properly afterwards
Modern cars and bikes dont like water getting in everywhere and pressure washers and steam cleaners have very small water droplets that get in everywhere
just my 2 cents worth
I can direct the degreaser where I want it to go
I avoid all the electronics or wrap them in plastic then wash of with hot water from the tap using the garden hose connected to the washing machine hot water outlet
I also use the water on very low pressure as not to get it everywhere
learned this technique from using a pressure washer and wondering why my car or motorbike didn't run properly afterwards
Modern cars and bikes dont like water getting in everywhere and pressure washers and steam cleaners have very small water droplets that get in everywhere
just my 2 cents worth
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#8
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I learned about using degreaser [and hot soapy water as needed] in a controlled manner to do the cleaning from posts above.
#9
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Jim, thanks for the advice. Instead of using pressure wash, I will be using degreaser [and hot soap water] with immediate wipe downs, as mentioned in the above posts.
#10
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