Speedtoys

New to me, 88 S4 Auto.


So...am I a bad person, for wondering if I can initially clean up the engine bay and chassis underneath with high pressure steam, like I have my other cars/trucks?

blown 87

If all of the electronics, wiring and other parts are removed first then it is ok to use water/steam.
If it is a complete car I would say not to use water.

Mrmerlin

you would best served to not wet the top of the engine ,
of course thats where most of the dirt is,
try compressed air ,outside.
to clean the inner fenders try some engine gunk the follow it with a simple green wash use a scrub brush to move to cosmoline around with the gunk and simplegreen then rinse with the steam, you can jack up the car and wash the oil pan with steam ,
stay away from the rack and AC compressor and alternator with the high pressure

SeanR

Spray it down with Wurth Brake Cleaner. Cleans great on everything.

blown 87

That is what I use, best cleaner out there.

S4ordie

Does Wurth BC remove cosmoline?

Mrmerlin

will that chemical stain the powdercoat on the intake or damage the rubber seals on the intake side covers or manifold gaskets??
Also another point with any hi pressure air or water spray there is a good chance that the powder coating if original will come off in chunks if the blast is directed at these parts

linderpat

I just spent yesterday on my back under the car, getting soaking wet, using low pressure water, simple green, and a bucket of soap with scrub brushes - that job sucks, but it does work, and nothing gets harmed in the process. Plus it allows me to physically inspect every bolt and rubber peice in intimate detail. The first time I did this job took awhile. This is my second time. Got it cleaner still, and was less work. So next year at the end of the driving season, it should be a snap;-)

riviera455

i have used high presure ,cold water to clean the underside of the engine yesterday,
ist a "risky buisness",
i have the oil pressure gauge showing 5 bar all the time now, as soon as ignition is on it jumps to 5bar and stay there.
still have to surch wat went wrong .

it sure cleans enough with just cold high pressure, 25 year old grease and dirt fly's off. i also did the front of the engine when the tb and all other belts where removed.
also sometimes the water beams right back in your face, be aware and dont wear your boss costume....

linderpat

You probably just knocked off one of the connections to the oil pressure sender - it is that little cylindrical unit next to the oil filter, with 2 thin guage wires going into the top. Re-attach and you should be good to go.

blown 87

I have yet to see the Wurth brake clean harm anything, i use it on paint with no ill effects other than taking the wax off.

S4ordie

Does Wurth dissolve cosmoline?

Rob Edwards

The Wurth Brake Cleaner is very good on cosmoline, it's every bit as good as histoclear or kerosene. Still, don't expect it to magically wipe on/wipe off on areas of cosmoline that are piled up in nooks and crannies, there's still no substitute for elbow grease.


RE: engine/chassis cleaning, I'm a big fan of simple green + my electric pressure washer hooked to the drain on the hot water heater. I have a good quality steamer that'll generate 4-5 bar steam but it doesn't have the horsepower that the pressure washer does. The soap and or solvent only gets you so far, there's no substitute for (sufficient) brute force. And since the washer is 'only' 1750 psi max, it's incrementally harder to get it trouble with it. I still wouldn't take aim at the top half of the engine with it, (nor direct aim at the A/C compressor or alternator) but for everything else, it's open season.

The biggest problem I have with pressure washers is that the damn wands are all 2 feet long, since they're designed to be used standing up. I really wish someone made a 'handgun' style trigger/nozzle for mine, it'd be a lot easier to do undercar stuff when you're only 18" off the ground.

blown 87

Yes, but it takes some effort, I use it in five gallon containers for that.

I think there may be better products out there for that, I just do not know what it is, sorry.