I want to cleanup my engine and am concerned about spraying water around the engine electronics. I know that the engine gets wet when driving in rain, etc, but that's not the same as spraying a hose directly on the engine, even using a setting toward the "mist" end of the spectrum. On a detailing forum I follow, the pros say to protect items depending make/model. So what Mini-specific items should I cover/protect before spraying a hose in the engine bay. If it matters, my car is an R60 Countryman S All4.

 

Other than air intake inlets, coil packs, and uncovered electronic items, there really isn't anything to be worried about with water, I believe.

I've never had any issues when just using a good degreaser followed by a low powered water rinse. The only problems I've ever seen anyone come across is when they are using a pressure washer or other high powered water jet systems that force water where it doesn't belong.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to use a hose on a heavy mist setting to rinse -- no plans for high pressure water. Sounds like I shouldn't have problems.

 

I've used steam for years and never had a problem

you can pickup a small steam cleaner for around $100

https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-w...=steam+cleaner

no worry about chemicals eating something and much less 'force' than a water stream.

it's how I cleaned the motor and suspension of my 79 when I got it and use to maintain ever since

 

Yep - if someone was willing to spend the money - the steam cleaners work very well - probably the best of anything out there. $100 is still a $100, though, and that money can be spent elsewhere as well.

 

Thanks, Capt. So no cleaner/degreaser -- just steam?

 

just steam and a brush for a lil extra push ... the steam melts the gunk and it drips away. Just be sure to put down a drop cloth ... I use card board. On plastic stuff hit it with steam then wipe it down ..... come back with a 'treatment' if you'd like (I use Zymol) ... no need for extra cleaners IME .... just keep hitting it with steam. When I was fighting with the stripes on the R59 we'd decided had to go ... hit 'em with some steam and they lifted right off and zero hard to the paint (clear)

My cleaner is 10 years old .... I use distilled water to avoid deposits from building up in the heat chamber. $100 over 10 years using it several times a year on my vehicles ... and it is good for other jobs around the house too.

{kitchens on ships get quite a build up of grease over the years ..... on my ships I'd hire professional steam cleaners to come in once a year and in a couple of hours the place would look like new}