Engine steam cleaning
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 34
Likes: 7
Engine steam cleaning
My 73 F250’s 390 has 110,000 miles and is dripping in the driveway.
I need to clean it so I can identify if it’s leaking from the valve cover or somewhere else.
Any recommendations on a cleaning product to make this go faster?
Assuming that covering the carb and distributor with a bag should be enough to ensure I can drive it home.
I need to clean it so I can identify if it’s leaking from the valve cover or somewhere else.
Any recommendations on a cleaning product to make this go faster?
Assuming that covering the carb and distributor with a bag should be enough to ensure I can drive it home.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,892
Likes: 2,370
Actual steam cleaning ? if so you don't need much else.
For pressure washing some of the engine degreasers help some.
Be careful about hitting the alternator and any seal areas, the pressure can blow junk into the seal lip and cause problems. if it won't start afterwards let it dry out good or WD-40 will usually displace the moisture if needed.
For pressure washing some of the engine degreasers help some.
Be careful about hitting the alternator and any seal areas, the pressure can blow junk into the seal lip and cause problems. if it won't start afterwards let it dry out good or WD-40 will usually displace the moisture if needed.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 856
Likes: 63
From: Oxnard
In addition to covering both the Carburetor and Distributor, cover the Alternator, Coil and Voltage Regulator.
If you access to a stem cleaner, that might be all you need. If not, pre-treat with Gunk the foamy type or Purple Power, Simple Green or Awesome. I've actually mixed Purple Power, Simple Green, Awesome and Dawn Dish Soap together when my on-hand supply was low. Don't be surprised if you need to clean it two or three times if your engine is heavily soiled / caked with oil, dirt and grease.
Before trying to start your truck after cleaning, use an air compressor to blown out the water.
If you access to a stem cleaner, that might be all you need. If not, pre-treat with Gunk the foamy type or Purple Power, Simple Green or Awesome. I've actually mixed Purple Power, Simple Green, Awesome and Dawn Dish Soap together when my on-hand supply was low. Don't be surprised if you need to clean it two or three times if your engine is heavily soiled / caked with oil, dirt and grease.
Before trying to start your truck after cleaning, use an air compressor to blown out the water.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 34
Likes: 7
In addition to covering both the Carburetor and Distributor, cover the Alternator, Coil and Voltage Regulator.
If you access to a stem cleaner, that might be all you need. If not, pre-treat with Gunk the foamy type or Purple Power, Simple Green or Awesome. I've actually mixed Purple Power, Simple Green, Awesome and Dawn Dish Soap together when my on-hand supply was low. Don't be surprised if you need to clean it two or three times if your engine is heavily soiled / caked with oil, dirt and grease.
Before trying to start your truck after cleaning, use an air compressor to blown out the water.
If you access to a stem cleaner, that might be all you need. If not, pre-treat with Gunk the foamy type or Purple Power, Simple Green or Awesome. I've actually mixed Purple Power, Simple Green, Awesome and Dawn Dish Soap together when my on-hand supply was low. Don't be surprised if you need to clean it two or three times if your engine is heavily soiled / caked with oil, dirt and grease.
Before trying to start your truck after cleaning, use an air compressor to blown out the water.
Just a pressure washer, not a steam cleaner.
Thanks - fingers crossed.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 805
Likes: 145
From: 59701 West Valley Phoenix
I've used a pressure washer and purple power with great success. I've always left the engine running however so it's nice and hot for the degreaser to be effective. This way you don't have the "it won't start" dilemma.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 163
From: East Texas
I also like the spray foam cleaners. Take notice of electrical connections as well. Sometimes the wand or water stream can dislodge them.
If doing the underside, put the front up on some ramps for better access.
And what ever you do, change your shoes before you walk back into the house. It really irritates my wife when I track in a big clump of grease/dirt.
Back in college I helped my roommate steam clean some county equipment. That sucker would take off paint as well as the dirt/grease.
If doing the underside, put the front up on some ramps for better access.
And what ever you do, change your shoes before you walk back into the house. It really irritates my wife when I track in a big clump of grease/dirt.
Back in college I helped my roommate steam clean some county equipment. That sucker would take off paint as well as the dirt/grease.
FTE Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,288
Likes: 200
From: springfield Missouri area
We used to use easy off oven cleaner, seemed like it was cheaper than the other spray de greaser.
But back in those days the pressure washers at the car wash were not much better than a good garden hose.
But back in those days the pressure washers at the car wash were not much better than a good garden hose.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 891
From: East Central Ia
Wear a raincoat and wear some goggles/ Also be very careful with the wash wand. I was pressure washing an under hood engine harness that I bought at salvage yard. It flipped over and I tried to grab it, I still have a 2 inch scar next to my wrist.
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