Date:         Wed, 1 Jun 2005 11:45:16 -0700
Reply-To:     Tim Olmstead <tim@CWO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Olmstead <tim@CWO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Steam Cleaning?
Comments: To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <c3663498d82c08068f7df825c321d697@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

I use driveway cleaner that I buy at Costco. This is very strong though
you can cut it with water. If you have shiny aluminum the driveway cleaner
will remove the shine in a heartbeat. I spray it on with a spray bottle,
let it sit, use an inexpensive paint brush to massage the big chunks, wash
it off with low pressure cold water, and, if needed, use an air hose to
blow off any remaining water. The full strength driveway cleaner is strong
enough to remove (without intent) the paint from the frame of my S10.
Using high pressure washing around electrical engine components can create
a problem with connectivity.

Tim

> I've never been sucessful with a steam cleaning. A trusted mechanic
> preferred to use Brake cleaner, which will remove the oily gunk, and
> dry fast. I tend to use that now-a-days.
>
> However, be careful with Brake Cleaner. Don't use it on a hot engine.
> And different brands are different formulas. I've found some that
> burned me (chemical burn), while others didn't. Using eye protection
> when using it. I also like to put a shallow drip pan under the engine
> to catch all the stuff so that it doesn't junk up the driveway.
>
>
> On Jun 1, 2005, at 1:48 PM, Trenholme, Phil wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>>
>>
>> I just purchased a very nice fully loaded 1990 Westy.  Currently
>> showing
>> 140K with over 10K in receipts spent on maintenance since 1995! Anyway,
>> I am a bit of a clean freak and am considering having the transaxle and
>> engine steam cleaned. Are there concerns about doing this? Are there
>> better ways to clean an engine? There is quite a bit of gunk on the
>> engine and having the engine clean will makes working on this car so
>> much easier.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Phil T
>>
>> Santa Cruz, CA
>
>