Ahh, Yes, Phil,
A good clean engine is next to Dependability ness! :o)
Although I have used Steam Cleaners a lot,
Anymore, once a year, in the summer I just take over to the buggy bath.
I spray the engine, trans, axle area, etc., with a good concentrated
detergent.
(Before I head over, so it can get warm & soak in.)
Keep the engine running to a minimum. You dont want to crack anything.
Warm(er) engine, good. Hot engine bad.
Then Spray it off really good with the car wash wand set at soap. (Wear
Safety Glasses!)
If it's going to be a deep cleaning, I'll cordon the interior off with
plastic.
A small plastic bag over the distributor.
I keep the full force of the spray off of any electronics' and away from the
alternator.
Then, even while it's still wet, I spray the entire area with Armorall or
similar spray.
Give it a bit of a rub down, with a towel. And watch it shine !!!
I wear cotton gloves for this part, so I dont get cut on sharp edges.
But... Beware!!!! people will accuse you of trying to hide something if you're
engine is Too Clean ???? Go Figure? ;o)
John C...

In a message dated 6/1/2005 10:53:37 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
Phil_Trenholme@AFFYMETRIX.COM writes:
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