Cleaning the Engine gunk build up! Need your advice

LsuGeaux · 12-31-2015, 12:14 AM

I recently changed my thermostat and water pump where I noticed oil gunk build up around the engine and build up on the left side of the engine (under the coolant reservoir)

I've been reading around and may say to cover up the alternator/intake and degrease it and hose it down. Anyone have any DIY or recommendations? I'm very skeptical on hosing down the engine and thinking everything will be ok.

psnt1ol · 12-31-2015, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OvOszn

I recently changed my thermostat and water pump where I noticed oil gunk build up around the engine and build up on the left side of the engine (under the coolant reservoir)

I've been reading around and may say to cover up the alternator/intake and degrease it and hose it down. Anyone have any DIY or recommendations? I'm very skeptical on hosing down the engine and thinking everything will be ok.

If you are not comfortable hosing it down...try steam. It does a great job.

Before

After

cpie168 · 12-31-2015, 08:28 AM

Wow awesome results! What else did you use beyond steam??

psnt1ol · 12-31-2015, 10:50 AM

The process was fairly straight forward. Sprayed the nastiest areas in the bay with P21S Total Auto Wash. Agitate the areas with a wheel brush then steamed it down. Applied 303 Aerospace Protectant afterward.

http://www.detailedimage.com/P21S-M1...00ml-Refil-S3/

http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Brus...ng-Brush-P565/

http://www.detailedimage.com/303-M2/...-P12/32-oz-S2/

SHEEDI · 12-31-2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psnt1ol

If you are not comfortable hosing it down...try steam. It does a great job.

Before

After

what steamer is best on budget to clean things like that?

psnt1ol · 12-31-2015, 04:28 PM

For this...I used the McCulloch steamer I got from Home Depot. It is great for wheels and car mat as well.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/McCulloch...1275/100646690

SHEEDI · 01-01-2016, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psnt1ol

For this...I used the McCulloch steamer I got from Home Depot. It is great for wheels and car mat as well.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/McCulloch...1275/100646690

Thanks, since I dont have a garage, what inverter I can use for this steamer?

psnt1ol · 01-01-2016, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

Thanks, since I dont have a garage, what inverter I can use for this steamer?

You got me on that one.... Its has 1500 W peak power. 1500 w 12v to 110v converter might cost more than the steamer.

asus389 · 01-02-2016, 06:49 PM

I'd inspect your gaskets before you go about cleaning. Lots of times "oil gunk" is the first sign of a leaky VCG or OPG.

12-31-2015, 12:14 AM	#1
LsuGeaux The Regime 32 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 3 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Baton Rouge iTrader: (0)	Cleaning the Engine gunk build up! Need your advice I recently changed my thermostat and water pump where I noticed oil gunk build up around the engine and build up on the left side of the engine (under the coolant reservoir) I've been reading around and may say to cover up the alternator/intake and degrease it and hose it down. Anyone have any DIY or recommendations? I'm very skeptical on hosing down the engine and thinking everything will be ok.
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12-31-2015, 08:28 AM	#3
cpie168 Major 173 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 328i 6MT ZSP BSM Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: K/W and GTA, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	Wow awesome results! What else did you use beyond steam??
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12-31-2015, 10:50 AM	#4
psnt1ol Lieutenant 31 Rep 547 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: san francisco iTrader: (0)	The process was fairly straight forward. Sprayed the nastiest areas in the bay with P21S Total Auto Wash. Agitate the areas with a wheel brush then steamed it down. Applied 303 Aerospace Protectant afterward. http://www.detailedimage.com/P21S-M1...00ml-Refil-S3/ http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Brus...ng-Brush-P565/ http://www.detailedimage.com/303-M2/...-P12/32-oz-S2/ __________________ What is absolute control???? Having the means and the abilities to exercise it at will but....chooses not to.
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12-31-2015, 04:28 PM	#6
psnt1ol Lieutenant 31 Rep 547 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: san francisco iTrader: (0)	For this...I used the McCulloch steamer I got from Home Depot. It is great for wheels and car mat as well. http://www.homedepot.com/p/McCulloch...1275/100646690 __________________ What is absolute control???? Having the means and the abilities to exercise it at will but....chooses not to.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2016, 06:49 PM	#9
asus389 Captain 68 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 11 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	I'd inspect your gaskets before you go about cleaning. Lots of times "oil gunk" is the first sign of a leaky VCG or OPG.
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