I get asked a few times a month about steam cleaning a car engine and how it should be done. Well, I am not a fan of steam cleaning and my answer is always…no, don’t do it.
I have a few reasons, and they are listed here.
1. Your engine does not care or even know that it is dirty. It will not run better, smoother, cooler or last longer if you clean it.
2. You run the risk of doing more harm that good. High pressure water sprayers have a tendency of getting water inside electrical parts that are meant to stay dry. Yes, there is some water than gets sprayed on the engine when driving in the rain but not under pressure like a car wash.
3. I get nervous when I inspect a used car for my customers and the engine is clean and spotless. What are you trying to hide from me? An oil or coolant leak? Rust damage? It just sends the wrong message.
I made this short video with an alternative to steam cleaning your engine, and I hope you try my suggestions yourself and let me know what you think. Leave comments below, Facebook likes appreciated.