Engine cleaning

[plewis66]

Phoned my fvourite valeter today, and asked that he steam clean the engine of my 350i. He said he didn't want to do it, as he's has trouble with Rover V8's getting damp in the electric gubbins, and not running right for ages afterwards.
Given I can't tackle the issue this way, I'm going to have to do it with rags and bruised knuckles.
Any tips gladly received...

[jmorgan]

Gunk
Brush or spray. Water wash off stuff.
Take care on the electrics.

[danny hoffman]

I would suspect that the weakest point would be the throttle pot - make sure it doesn't get wet

Danny

[deltaf]

Ive never really understood the big deal about this.
Stuff like throttle pot, sensors etc are all sealed hermetically to prevent water ingress.
Even dizzy caps on some models have rubber water proof seals fitted.
Certain ecus are not water resistant however, and id rather just bag anything like that and take it easy with the jet washer.
one of the worst cars for these water related problems, for wash offs anyway, was the 440 volvo...
My god, you bag EVERYTHING on those, and still not start the swines afterwards.
Needless to say, dizzy cap off, dry out with cloth and warm air blower, plug caps too, and presto.....one bolloxed motor...joke!! No they went ok after that.
Just be particular where you spray it.

[danny hoffman]

The throttle pot on my car is definately not sealed - an I doubt any pre hotwire cars are either

[Alan420]

The genius who did myu mate's 2 litre nova conversion decided to jetwash it just before delivery. It broke down 3 times on the way home.

My advice, don't do it unless you can live without the car for a few days!

[IPAddis]

On a similar note, when using Gunk or engine degreaser to clean the rocker covers. There appear are small holes in the rocker covers (Rover V8) - do these let the water in when you wash it off afterwards (one would presume not)? What about the rocker breather bit, do you have to keep that dry?

Ian A.