my engine is in real need of a cleaning. i've thought about steam cleaning but wasn't sure if it's the best thing to do. i'm kinda scared that the moisture will make the motor rust. anyone ever tried it? also, what should i use to block off the exhaust? i plan on taking the exhaust manifold off and blocking it. any help is greatly appreciated. :biggthump

I would leave the manifod on, and stuff some towels down in the spark plug valley. Spray on a litte simple green 15 minutes before you start and go to town. I've done mine twice. It turns out minty fresh and I've never had any problems.

thanks, i'll try it today.

Is there any sensors or anything you guys recommend covering?
I remember doing my El Caminos engine bay back in teh day at the car wash. I got water under the distributor cap and had to take it apart and dry it before I could drive home. ;)

Cover the distributor.

I usually leave the spark plug wires on because they seal pretty well. After I'm done, I just pull the wires (leave the plugs in) and spray/vacuum out the remaining water.

ive tried both covering stuff and not covering stuff. the only problem i had either way was water going down into my spark plug holes. that did not happen when i shoved paper towels in them...just make sure you have some needlenose pliers to pull them out with. i do not recommend leaving the alternator and other electrical stuff exposed b/c i only did it knowing i was soon pulling the engine out and not re-using anything.

i plan on taking of most of the stuff on the motor. will the steam damage the turbo?

I leave th emotor running and with my NGK wires they seal off the spark plug holes, water sits in the plug valley and I just blow it out of there. I never cover any sensors or fuse blocks or anything, just don't go crazy with how much water you spray in there.

Brent