I've used a spray-on, hose-off Motorcycle cleaner  "S100" with excellent
results on my Vanagon engine. It also works well to clean the alloy wheels.
S100 is supposed to be safe for all finishes.

dave wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
> I've acquired a 1988 Vanagon GL, 2.1L. The previous owner took very good
> care of it, except for keeping the engine compartment clean.
>
> I thought about having it "Steam Cleaned". Can anyone pass on their
> experinces with this type of service? Does it work well?  Can it be
> harmful?
>
> Would you or would you not recommend it? I would have a car service or
> dealer do it.
>
> Any infomrtion you can share would be great.
>
> Thanks,
> Best Regards
>
> Dave Bowers
> dave@sparkplug.com
> Oly, Wa
> 1988 Vanagon GL no leaks, lots of character