Best way to clean very grimy engine bay?

[Road Pest]

Hi,

Just been looking at handheld steam cleaners for the engine bay of my Pug. It is really the grimmist engine bay I have seen due to a leaky rocker cover for one but I expect leaks elsewhere too and the fact it has never ben cleaned from what I can tell. It's sat in the garage at the moment so not worried about having to use it straight away afterwards.

I have so far tried agitating it with a brush after spraying Gunk Ultra Degreaser, then low pressure washing it off. It's still filthy. My housemate has Carplan degreaser, which I've not tried. Just thinking it needs a bit more of a tougher approach.

So does PH think a handheld steamer would be a worthwhile investment?

Thanks,

Pest

[steveo3002]

hand held jobbie will take forever

id see if any local places have a hot jet washer they can blast it with for some ££

[PaulMoor]

Steam cleaning an old french car just seems like a short cut to electrical misery. Personaly I would just leave it alone. The last time I had a cars engine cleaned was a mk 1 Clio. It caused all sorts on odd little electrical problems (warning lights comeing on at random etc.)

[beanbag]

Gunk and a hot steamer....oh and a gravel driveway or a place where you don't mind loads of oil dribbling on the floor and staining it. My old man wasn't too pleased when I cleaned out my old E30. There was oil everywhere!!!

[Road Pest]

Should say, no mot or tax so has to be done at home.

[kinabalu]

I used to use this method with my motorbike, worked a treat & very cheap.

Syphon off a jam jars worth of petrol, brush all over the engine with a stiff brush, perhaps one you have for cleaning akward wheels, rinse off with watering can.

The last bit in particular doesn't jeopardize electrics.

[Road Pest]

Was thinking something like this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAND-HELD-QUEST-POWER-ST...

[swifthobo]

I use brake cleaner

[OdramaSwimLaden]

PaulMoor said:

Steam cleaning an old french car just seems like a short cut to electrical misery. Personaly I would just leave it alone. The last time I had a cars engine cleaned was a mk 1 Clio. It caused all sorts on odd little electrical problems (warning lights comeing on at random etc.)

OP, I'd be inclined to agree that this is the best advice you'll get on here; unless you are very very very very careful!

[Wattsie]

Not sure if you need to log in to view this, but:

http://www.zsoc.com/showthread.php?t=69327

Did that on my Fiesta last summer and it brought it up all nice and shiny (until I hooned down some muddy wet backroads).

[Road Pest]

Can't see that thread sorry. Am of course a bit wary of jet washing/steaming so thought a little hand held would be perfect although much longer as it'll allow me to get into the bottom of the engine bay and all the little nooks on the way up etc. Not that bothered if it takes a few hours to be honest just want something that'll clean it and allow me to see what's what and wear the leaks are.