JustPete

Safe or not?

I'm a real stickler for having a nice clean engine compartment. The car I'm buying sadly has a pretty dusty one.

The dealer says with all the computer controls in the compartment, they don't steam clean them. Just wipe them.

What do you guys think?

I'd be surprised if it can't take an occasional good wet cleaning.

cls55

you can do both,just cover the coils,intake when using water.

bbearden

Am sure that they can get wet, but I used engine brite (any auto parts store) and windex to clean up my engine bay. I haven't found a good product to remove stains from the cast engine components and once they get greasy they are tough to clean up.

DFW01E55

I just lather it up with Simple Green or Dawn and rinse it without care for covering anything. I've never had a problem.

I suppose there's always a first time.

aleksandar1099

Try Black Magic engine cleaner, cover the coil packs and any other exposed wiring, and your engine comes out BRAND NEW!!!

KV3BLUE

I do that to all my cars and suv with no problem. I just cleaned my E63 last week, because when I got it the previous dealer must have sprayed some type of shinny stuff I do not like. Its should be fine and started right up. After cleaning make sure to start and drive the car until all the water is gone.

MB_Forever

I usually take it to the dealer for engine detailing. I always thought they steam cleaned it, as it looked very nice and clean after they did it. I never thought they could be just wiping it. I'll ask them next time.

JustPete

So in other words .... after a little mild soap on the various dirty bits and over the engine ... just a low pressure rinse down and you're good to go?

No worry covering the coil packs or intake openings?

KV3BLUE

I just washed mine like washer the car with the mittens that I used for wheels only. Then rines like washing your car and start and drive clean.

waqastariq

If you would like to get the engine bay cleaned then there is no harm in getting steam cleaning or washing done, I for one monthly clean my cars engine bay(I know its crazy but I just cant stand dust ) I will suggest some points to follow though, you should let the engine cool down for at-least 10-20min take some plastic bag and cover the ECU and spark plugs with it and then wash or steam clean as you like.