CanadyLex

Hello LS Fam,
I just purchased my 1995 LS400 and the engine is completely un detailed.lol. What is the best or most safest way to clean the engine without harming or fluiding it out? Does anyone know the trick to keeping it spotless?Also, MY LS came with the Lexus phone. Is it really hard to get it connected with a cell phone provider?

sdls

You could have it professionally steam cleaned, it's safer than either the water hose or harsh solvents.

You won't get the Lexus phone working. It operated on analog bands that are no longer in commercial use. Better to just ditch it from the car and get some console space back.

CanadyLex

Thx, never heard of steam cleaning. I wonder if that is the procedure when detailing the engine. Is it very costly? because all the dealership used vehicle engines are spotless around here. I just didnt want to try and mess up the engine getting it SHOWROOM ready.lol... bummer on the analog but i can deal with it

steve2006

I've had several engines cleaned this way,they normally spray a degreaser solution on first then clean it off with a high pressure steam lance.
They then use compressed air to blow the residual away water and then normally offer the silicone type spray finish.
This is a UK based experienced but I guess you guys have a similar setup.

etex

Personally, I would not allow mine to be steamed. Too much risk of damage to wiring and sensors. Neither would I want the silicone spray. I use a trigger-spray bottle of engine degreaser on an engine I have wet with the hose (wile the engine is cold) then rinse it off with the hose pressure after about 5 minutes. Repeat in areas where necessary. Depends on how dirty the engine bay is.

Just my $.02.

deanshark

Wow steam cleaned, I haven't heard that in years. Does Ca. still allow it to be done? I know here in Ct. it was made illegal years ago. (Bad for the enviroment) We would just drive 50 miles north up to Ma. It used to be nice and easy to clean an engine in the old days, just wrap a bag around the distributor and spray anything you want in there. Maybe you should go to a detailing place and either ask them how they get an engine bay clean. Or, this is what I would do, have them clean it. I don't think it would cost too much but it would save you time and agrevation.

3UZFTE

+1 for biodegradable degreaser and pressure washing it. If you have an existing electrical short, like it rains and the car runs funny, you'll be sure to find it, otherwise your good to go.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Mass engine cleanings are risky with all the electronics and wiring to contend with. Depending how dirty, a piece by piece removal and clean is a safer but time consuming. Spraying a degreaser on a rag and wiping certain parts is also a method I use. The plastics may not like certain harsh chemicals to go easy and test before randomly cleaning everything.

CanadyLex

Thx Lexus Fam.. I do know i Guy who is Head of Detailing (last i heard) at the lexus dealership here in OKC. I will try to catch up with him. i have watched several youtube vids and all them are clean. So i want to maintain that look( kind of pamper it). I already got my Meguiars wax ready and with my armour all wipes.lol................. next order of pampering is to repair the driver seat( it has a few rips from normal wear and tear. Thought of using a leather conditioner. Anyone know if that stuff really works???????

williamb82

i just drive my car to the trucking company my friend works for on a weekend when he is there. they have a hot water pressure washer. the heat is from a propane burner in the machine. the pressure washer is a 220v electric. no degreaser needed. just dont spray the stuff that shouldnt get wet. i used to clean the engine in my supra like every weekend when i was daily driving it. lol. my recomendation is to see if there is a carwash place where you wash it your self, that has a heated spray.

CanadyLex

thx for the insight. i will check out all of the requested remedies to a more cleane engine.. 1 remedy at a time.....