Where to get engine steam cleaned?

David_Baratheon · Post by **David_Baratheon** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 6:44 pm

I've got a fluid leak somewhere in the engine bay according to my mechanic but they said the vehicle needs to be steam cleaned before they can fault find.

I've tried everywhere and can't find anyone who does engine steam clean for fault finding purposes, only for cosmetic purposes.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 7:04 pm

Because of the complex computers in cars they tend to degrease with chemicals and a jet wash rather than steam these days. Most hand wash places will do it.

DWD

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 7:43 pm

Clean it by hand, steam and pressure washing in a modern engine bay is a big NO

What year, car and engine ?

What colour is the fluid ?

arco_iris · Post by **arco_iris** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:08 pm

David_Baratheon wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 6:44 pm I've tried everywhere and can't find anyone who does engine steam clean for fault finding purposes, only for cosmetic purposes.

What's the difference?

However, as previous responders have said, neither are a good idea on modern vehicles full of electronics..... but then, one could ask, if it's so grotty that a good engineer can't identify the problem without cleaning, it's not a modern vehicle or not a good mechanic.

Trained as a motor engineer many years ago, (i) only certain items leak (ii) colour, taste*, other clues tend to narrow it down. As does, which fluid is reducing in quantity due to leakage?

* fuel, brake/clutch fluid, antifreeze coolant, battery acid, screenwash, all taste different & forty years ago I tried them all - never forget. Still do it sometimes.

David_Baratheon · Post by **David_Baratheon** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 10:57 pm

Bob225 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 7:43 pm Clean it by hand, steam and pressure washing in a modern engine bay is a big NO

What year, car and engine ?

What colour is the fluid ?

Vauxhall zafira 2010 diesel 1.9 auto

Not sure on the colour as it was a mechanic who reported it on an MOT and said they can't locate the source of the leak without an engine steam clean

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 11:15 pm

The rocker box cover gasket or seal is often a cause of leaks on Zafira's. This is basic stuff you could do yourself, plenty of YouTube videos to show you how to do it.

DWD

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:03 am

Cam cover is ultra common the gasket goes crispy with heat cycles, oil filter housing can also leak give that area a clean with degreaser

David_Baratheon · Post by **David_Baratheon** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 11:05 am

Hi guys so who can do this type of cleaning? And how do I get it back to the garage without it getting loads of oil everywhere again?

None of the garages seem to know anyone who can do it

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 11:51 am

How to move a car without driving it

why not move the car by having it taken on a flat bed tow truck like this one.

: FBTC-.jpg (34.11 KiB) Viewed 3690 times

As for steam cleaning, try google for "Engine steam cleaning" (I did and got 3 near me)

(I would never suggest steam cleaning a modern car engine while its still in the car)

But like others have said, I think your garage are just wanting to make money off of you. I am sure I have seen Ed China use engine cleaner to clean engines, no steam cleaner required.