I was looking for recommendations on a steam cleaner. I don't know if they have this. But I'd like one that has a long nozzle or an extendable flexable nozzle. Something that can get down into hard to reach areas like down inside the engine bay.

I had the intake manifold gasket replaced a while back. And a shop said it may be leaking. But isn't sure if it is leaking, or the prior shop just didn't clean up the old leak. But they recommended that I clean the engine to see if it is leaking. But I don't want to blast the engine at a car wash like the shop recommended. But I think it is safer to use a steam cleaner. But would like one that has an extendable nozzle that can reach down in tight areas inside the engine bay. Kinda like a long small flexable hose that sprays the steam.

 

you could get a steam cleaner and but some rubber hosing from a hardware store to put on the end,thats what i plan on doing

 

Do you know which steam cleaners are good? I know the best is the commercial units, but those are too pricy and bulky for minimal use compared to a consumer model. But I know alot of the cheaper steam cleaners get bad reviews for not being able to do much compared to what you might see on infomercials.

 

I use a Hotsy. had the same one for almost 8 or 9 years now. it is the best one i have used and i use it everyday at my detail shop.

Hotsy 700 Series Hot Water Pressure Washers

edit: this is a commercial model

 

I have a shark - uses plain old water. If I'm cleaning something really dirty I spray on some simple green and then blast it with the steam and it works great. Great for wheels and engine compartments (not by any electrical though)

 

Do you have the handheld or the floor model? I had read the floor model is more powerful than the handheld. I think the steam cleaner would be real nice cleaning up things like door jambs.

 

I know you said you don't want to blast the engine at the car wash, but in all honesty, I have cleaned a lot of dirt/grim from an engine using a can of engine de-greaser and a high pressure sprayer at the car wash. Just keep an eye on thing like vacuum lines and such.