Folks, I clean our engine compartment every oil change.  I just use a
very light spray from a garden hose to wet things down.  Cover the
distributor/alternator, and don't use high pressure.

I use Castrol Super Kleen that comes in a pump bottle.  This stuff is
cheap and very effective.  I've sold many people on it as it works so
well, and is biodegradable and doesn't stink.

Spray on, and use a 1" paintbrush to get into the nitty gritty areas.
 I apply the cleaner right on the brush as well.  Wait a few minutes,
hose off.  Chamois dry :)  Job done.  USE ON A COLD ENGINE!!!

Hope this helps,
Harry.

> >
> > 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.
>
-----------------------------------------------------
Harry Yates, Langley, British Columbia Canada
'90 Syncro Westfalia   WWW - http://syncro.cr.bcit.bc.ca/hyates
'87 Golf Diesel        email:  hyates@bcit.bc.ca
'91 Miata (Millie)