Re: Cleaning Engine

[<rsalzmann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

     Steve, 
     
     I have always held that it is better to just leave the engine 
     dirty(all things in moderation of course).  IMHO engines just hate to 
     be hosed off or pressure washed.  If having that pristine clean look 
     under the hood is what you're after, then I think it is best to use 
     plenty of rags, small brushes, small amounts of soapy water or mineral 
     spirits, and lots of elbow grease.  Do small sections at a time.  
     Otherwise, unless it's horribly dirty, just leave it as is.
     
     My $.02  YMMV
     
     cheers,
     robb


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Cleaning Engine
Author:  "skaelin" <skaelin@domain.elided> at Internet_TCO
Date:    10/22/98 3:07 PM


Hi All,
     
I recently purchased a 1990 325is which runs really good.  Before I bought 
it, I had Dinan do a diagnostic on it and one of the things they thought I 
should do is replace the head gasket as the thee bottom oil pan was 
saturated with oil.  Other than that, the car runs great and is in MINT 
condition (only had 50K miles on it). I will be bringing it to Dinan to fix 
the headgasket plus do some other maintenance stuff.  As the engine is 
pretty dirty (oil + dirt), I would like to have it cleaned, but I have heard 
that BMW recommends that you don't steam clean their engines.  Do any shops 
do this or how should I go about cleaning the engine? Any recommendations 
would be appreciated.
     
Thanks,
     
Steve Kaelin
San Jose, CA
98 M3, 90 325is
     
     

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