Has anyone used a steam cleaner to remove oil/ grease/ dirt from the underside of there unimog? Is it effective?
Will the steam damage anything on a 404 or 411?
I thought steam cleaning might be a handy way to avoid scraping and would create less contaminated water than a pressure washer; easier on seals and gaskets I think too?
Steam cleaning works great, it might take some of the paint off though. I figure any paint that comes off deserves to come off anyway, as it wasn't adhered enough.
On a 404 there aren't really any electrical components screwed into the running gear to damage. The biggest thing to watch for is the electrical box at the back of the frame, and try not to hold it at point blank range next to a gasket or something.
I think steam cleaning is almost as good as taking things all apart to sand blast in some applications. If you can get one with a detergent injector it's even better.
My 416 DoKa cab has a thick undercoating on the cab bottom. I don't know if it's a stock thing or not. But, aggressive cleaning with steam or a pressure washer will strip it off or gouge it severely.
Look carefully before picking up that wand !
__________________ " It looks just like a Telefunken U47 ! "
Used a hot water pressure cleaner and then steam genny on mine. Used simple green degreaser feeding through the cleaner when using the hot water and then used the steam. No problems spotted
If you're washing a 411 you will want to exercise some caution around the crank pulley, I believe there is no real oil seal, just a dust seal and an oil slinger. High pressure water in that area could easily over come the seal and you'll push water into the engine.
Vehicle: Vehicle: 1397 Portative Organ Normally Aspirated
Posts: 588
Just 'hot cleaned' 2 mogs and a small Holder tractor...should have done it in the spring! One thing I found out from the local rent-all was I could rent the hot water tower portion of the system to mate up with my 2000 psi Princess Auto washer. It was half the cost. I would say it was as strong (psi) and hot as I would want it. (I think the water gets close to 200 degrees F but not much hotter...) My only complaint was I had trouble finding a good degreaser. The Kandahar Tire (Canadian Tire) offerings only caused the grease to be flung from one area to another. That mog had about 3 years of thick Tectyl rustproofing build-up. On the weekend I got some POR-15 brand Marine Clean...used it with lukewarm water on the not so greasy mog, (unit returned to rent-all) even though it should be used with hot and it looks like a better product. I have to have another go at the greasier mog...I will see how it behaves. I am still torn about the winter slush resistance techniques to employ with the one that has a conventional mat on sound and heat insulated interior. There are still points of ingress that are available for salt water near the throttle pedal, under the seat, near the outer door trim etc. The question is whether to try and seal those for the winter or rinse them constantly? My other SBU interior is bedliner'd and the ribbed edging is removed so it is easier to clean. But as anyone knows who has an SBU the Cancer develops at the line of the floor meeting the wheelwell curve mostly on drivers side. They also rot at the rear corners. Best thing is to not use it in the bloody salt!
But I digresss......
Hot Steam Pressure Washer! An excellent paint stripper. I used one to clean a mog then strip a cab of most of it's 4-5 layers of paint. Worked very well. I was using a 3,000 psi model......If your using it for degreasing...which I do reccomend then just use a good balanced degreaser first and let it sit in. Costco carries a gallon of engine degreaser for cheap plus it's biodegradeable. I use it to clean gutters, roofs, concrete ect. It's takes about half the time as a normal non pressure washer and does a better job. Also for those heavy areas that have alot of grease....use a brush and cleaner...might need a couple of treatments and rinse it off by regular water pressure....No need to get to close with 3,000 or 2,000 psi....as that can ruin alot of things quickly, sever hoses, electrical connections ect. I would also reccomend those who have drum brakes and drive through alot of mud to take off your drums and clean them out..... with a steam pressure cleaner. Make sure your grease your fittings after with an adequate squeeze of good grease. Cheers!
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
