Steam cleaning the engine and undercarriage

F

FlairBarstar

New member
Joined
Nov 20, 2014
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Hi im planning to detail my engine and undercarriage using steam with degreaser. My car is 2008 bmw z4m coupe; and i am worried about electrical wirings under the bonnet. Would it affect the engine in a bad way or damage the electrical wirings? Is it safe enough? I know the m3 engine is toughly built for the track and road; but i dont know if its tough on steam, water or moist.

My first option is go to a professional steam cleaner shop and the cost is $275 to clean the undercarriage and engine bay with car wash.

Second option is i buy the steam machine (wagner 915) for $85; so i can use it multiple times, and il do it myself; downside is im a newbie.

If anyone could shed some light that would be great.

Thanks guys
 
I've bought the steam cleaner from McCulluch or however you spell it from harbor freight for like $120 and it has a 5 year no questions asked warranty.. it came with all kinds of attachments and has been awesome.. Your definitely better off to buy the steamer, you can use it for interior/carpets/dashes/windows/doorjambs etc.. it says on product as well ;) as far as under neath the hood I wouldn't worry about electrical wiring.. Just don't pressure wash it.. use a wash mitt and some dawn soap or etc and some degreaser and wipe everything down good and rinse it off. just stay away from pressure washing into your spark plugs or ecu your fine don't sweat it
 
Steam the undercarriage? Never heard about that before. Couldn't less expensive methods also be me effective? I know I clean my engine with a combo of car soap, rinseless, and waterless washes and use the appropriate brushes and it works well for me.
Any reason you're choosing to use steam?
 
I've used steam twice to clean engines. First one went well, second one (personal vehicle) I let the nozzle linger briefly on the power steering fluid reservoir and it melted the outer layer of the plastic. I didn't burn through the tank but it was enough to leave a dime-sized haze and could've been worse. Personally, I won't steam clean again. It's not nearly as "messy" as using water/apc/degreaser/etc. method, but all that heat near some of the sensitive parts did not go well for me. If you go the steam route, keep the steam moving.
 
I have the same question. I have a car concierge service in which part of the package is bi-monthly detail's. Everything we do is by hand, no hose, no pressure washing, no noise and of course no mess. And, my customer's really dig it. The down side is that it is very difficult to clean the engine compartment, the wheel well and behind the rims. I have been wondering if there is a product that I could put into a hand pump sprayer or try a steamer such as this little Bissell. Lot's of great attachements with a small price. Amazon.com - BISSELL Steam Shot Hard-Surface Cleaner, 39N7A/39N71 - Floor Cleaners
 
I doubt if you need a steamer, unless you've had an oil leak.
I just wet, degreaser, rise, wipe, done.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top