After I get my burning oil smell issue resolved(it may already be), I'd like to get the engine steam cleaned, so that I can keep an eye on it for future leaks.

Where's the best place to take it for that, and how much do you think that would cost?

 

I've heard of people just using the high pressure sprayer at quarter car washes, but I personally wouldn't recommend this. I know all the electrical connections in the engine bay are supposedly "water proof" but I don't really care to test that theory do you?

If it were me, I would use some engine degreaser and a carefully-wielded garden hose to get rid of the oil residue. This would allow you to get the headers, down pipes, and whatever else might have oil on it without power washing your wiring harness to death

 

Yeah, use CCA4's suggestion. They sell engine cleaner like "Engine Brite" at any auto parts store. The directions should be on the can but I think what you do is get the engine warm, spray the stuff on pretty thickly, let it sit for a while and then hose it off. Repeat until engine is clean. If there's a lot of oil then make sure you're doing it in a place where some oil isn't going to be a big problem. It WILL stain concrete and kill grass.

 

Yup good stuff. Like it was mentioned, watch the connectors. You can clean around those with simple green, rags, and a toothbrush.

 

Ok, thanks fellas. I've already got some Simple Green on hand, so I'll add the Engine Brite to the shopping list. Gonna have to wait a few more months to do this, though. It's a little cold out to be spraying water on anything.