Does steam cleaning your engine cause loose wires?

Question

At my last oil change I was told I had a small leak. I understand I need to de-grease before it can be found and fixed.

Answer 1

Be very carefull, you can damage your wires. Get some degreaser from the auto parts store and hand clean the engine. Use old rags and a spray bottle, take your time and do a good job. Clean everything down to the paint.

Answer 2

what do you mean that they don't steam clean engines in the last 40 years--do you even work in a automotive shop? . Steam-cleaning and pressure washing is the same thing --except the water temp. is above 212-220 degrees. Will not cause loose wires, may get into connections and temp. cause an open circuit. All of the major shops I know use non-corrosive detergents and soft water. As for degreasing your engine from a can--use only non-flammable cleaners ( because of risk of fire, they don't wash off completely, and the solvent attacks wire insolation, connectors , and seals in electrical items---that and the smell can last for weeks) and an area that it is legal to degrease---like coin operated car washes (they also may have a engine degreaser). stay away from modules, injection units, ignition parts, ect.... remember to cover your shoes with small bags so that you don't track up the car with the grease you broke free and walk in.

Answer 3

They haven't "steam cleaned" cars in 40 years. You can use a spray nozzle on a hose, or a pressure washer. Its best to carefully use the garden hose and engine degreaser. You can force water into electrical connectors and engine seals with a pressure washer. Not good.

At my last job, I'd see several field failures a year due to pressure washing. The high pressure water will intrude into sealed connectors and cause corrosion.

Answer 4

No it does not. If your wires are loose before the steam cleaning, then it will make the problem worse, but it does not cause the problem. I power wash my engine all the time with my 700 psi power washer.