Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: davemac on 10 January 2013, 19:03:04

Title: Engine cleaning
Post by: davemac on 10 January 2013, 19:03:04
Hi all :-)

I wondered if anyone knows anywhere in the Berkshire area that would steam clean my engine?
I had a bad oil leak from the cam cover gaskets so had them replaced along with plugs, leads, coil pack, oil change etc. and was advised to have all the spilt oil cleaned from the lower part of the engine.

Thanks,

Dave.
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: dbug on 10 January 2013, 19:15:17
Google is your friend  ;)
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: cnj on 10 January 2013, 19:20:59
steam cleaners in the wrong hands can cause more problems than enough. eg wet, soggy electrics ! (been there, played the game!)
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: albitz on 10 January 2013, 19:25:37
A gallon of parrafin,some old rags,a couple of small paintbrushes and old toothbrushes. ;)
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: dbug on 10 January 2013, 19:28:49
A gallon of parrafin,some old rags,a couple of small paintbrushes and the wifes toothbrush. ;)

Fixed that for you Albs  ;)

Remember to wash it when you've finished though  ::)
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: albitz on 10 January 2013, 19:29:52
Sshh ! its supposed to be a secret. ;D
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: Webby the Bear on 10 January 2013, 19:30:13
if its not smoking why would this be a problem ?  ???
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: car5car on 10 January 2013, 19:32:52
I use pressure washer.
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: davemac on 10 January 2013, 19:38:35
lol!

I have googled and found a few places but I do have concerns about who sprays what and where!

I can't do too much of it myself due to recent operation :-(

It doesn't smoke but there is a strong smell when the car is hot.
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: tunnie on 10 January 2013, 20:52:24
I use pressure washer.

Water, lots of water, high pressure, lots of electrical components, spark plugs, sensors to name but a few. Not really a good idea.

Keep it simple, clean rag & elbow grease is far safer option ;)
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: davemac on 10 January 2013, 21:23:29
Thanks guys, just hope I don't give myself another hernia when I do it  :o
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: car5car on 10 January 2013, 21:25:09
I use pressure washer.

Water, lots of water, high pressure, lots of electrical components, spark plugs, sensors to name but a few. Not really a good idea.

Keep it simple, clean rag & elbow grease is far safer option ;)
If I don't wash engine of my Cadillac, you will not trade your BMW for it. ;D
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: MV6Matt on 11 January 2013, 15:13:54
I use pressure washer.

Water, lots of water, high pressure, lots of electrical components, spark plugs, sensors to name but a few. Not really a good idea.

Keep it simple, clean rag & elbow grease is far safer option ;)

+1

I'm fairly certain someone has suggested baby oil (and it wasn't that long ago).
I thought that engine bay cleaning with sprays/pressure washers was definitely passée.
I don't think any of the serious detailers go near 'em

Matthew
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: Lazydocker on 11 January 2013, 15:42:08
I use pressure washer.

Water, lots of water, high pressure, lots of electrical components, spark plugs, sensors to name but a few. Not really a good idea.

Keep it simple, clean rag & elbow grease is far safer option ;)

+1

I'm fairly certain someone has suggested baby oil (and it wasn't that long ago).
I thought that engine bay cleaning with sprays/pressure washers was definitely passée.
I don't think any of the serious detailers go near 'em

Matthew

For the plastics and rubber to give a shine I expect ;)
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 11 January 2013, 21:41:45
I've always done mine with a pressure washer!  ::) 

I do it with the engine running and I'm careful around electrical componants.  Never had a problem yet.  :y
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: biggriffin on 11 January 2013, 22:40:08
when you say "clean the engine" iam gueesing you mean the area around the front pulley and the under tray, if so i use some HD TFR applied with a pressure bottle around the area left to soak in then blast with the pressure washer on hot,then a big dose of WD allover and start her up, never had a problem yet.
Title: Re: Engine cleaning
Post by: davemac on 12 January 2013, 06:28:41
Hi,
Yes those are the main areas where the oil settled when the plug chambers overflowed - prior to me getting the car. I found someone locally who will remove the tray and clean from the underneath. I think the lower manifolds are covered - hence the smell when hot. I would like to be doing more myself but due to my recent op. and having only on-road parking a lot of the things I need to do are beyond me just now :-(
The guy doing it works in a scrap car yard near Slough - hope the crane driver doesn't get any ideas lol!