Steam cleaning !! Should I?? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

supercharged86 · 11-06-2006, 07:28 AM

Hello,

I was given a 1985 Ski-doo Grand Safari Luxe LC, that I have yet to get running (still sorting out everything, LOST key, broken oil and fuel lines, just to name a few). Unfortunately, the engine compartment is filthy with about an inch's worth of oily debris on the belly pan. Can I hot water steam clean this without getting into too much trouble. Thanks. Steve

**RJ Gleason** · 11-06-2006, 07:43 AM

just be carefulll not to spray the engine and the wiring.

Scrape out as much as you can by hand first.

supercharged86 · 11-06-2006, 07:59 AM

Thank you.

SnowBunny550 · 11-06-2006, 08:07 AM

I don't know a whole lot about sled engines, but how hard would it be for you to get in there & "tape off" some of the stuff that shouldn't be getting wet? I do this when I clean my car's engine bay - Just tuck plastic bags in & around the parts that shouldn't get wet, then go nuts with citrus-based cleaner & hose it down. So far, it's worked for me with no issues, but I don't know if sled engines are more finicky than that...

Just an idea!

supercharged86 · 11-06-2006, 08:15 AM

Alilttle tight down the bottom. I know the regulator and the wiring for the CDI box are down low, otherwise, not to bad. Maybe best just to pull the whole motor, reservoir tanks, and electronics?? Thanks for your input.

rgoers · 11-06-2006, 11:50 AM

I've Gunk'd mine, and hit it with a pressure washer. I just borrow my neighbor's portable electric unit. It's got plenty of power. I just try to keep it away from areas like the timing hole, etc.. Otherwise, I've never had a problem getting it started right up afterwards.

**smallengineguy** · 11-06-2006, 05:46 PM

I Gunk mine (engine and all) every year. Always starts right up. As long as you don't get stupid with the water it'll be fine.

I_R_Josh · 11-06-2006, 06:47 PM

long as you have a warm place for it to dry out

supercharged86 · 11-06-2006, 07:05 PM

Thanks for all the input guys.

BC_Dan · 11-06-2006, 08:47 PM

Most of the ECUs are sealed pretty well, they are designed to be used in less than stellar weather (hopefully!) They do pretty good getting snow dust all over 'em from time to time

I pressure wash everything after covering the carbs and making sure not to go down into the recoil. The key is drying out after by starting it up and letting it get to operating temperatures when you are done. I also avoid putting water on any foam, it's a bear to get dry afterwards...

Scraping most of the junk off first makes the time to clean a lot easier, as well as making what ever cleaner/solvent you are using more effective. Clean is a LOT nicer to work on!

rgoers · 11-07-2006, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC_Dan

... Clean is a LOT nicer to work on!

You said it!!!

I just did mine a few weeks ago. I had the skid plate off so I could change my steering bearings. Since the skid plate normally prevents all the crud from exiting the engine compartment when you're cleaning it - I thought I'd take advantage of having it already removed, and give it a good cleaning. Now it's squeaky clean.

Only thing I regret is getting it all put back together *prior* to finding the deal of a lifetime on all new skid plate screws! Picked up 100 new, genuine AC screws on eBay for $8 shipped. (I bought 10 replacement screws from my dealer last year, at almost $2 each!!!)

I may get under it one of these warm days, and swap out all the old screws.

gradd · 11-12-2006, 01:34 AM

well there snowmobiles right there ment to get wet but not wet inside at least thats what i think

rgoers · 11-12-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gradd

well there snowmobiles right there ment to get wet but not wet inside at least thats what i think

Not sure how true that is...

Air cooled sleds are usually open in front, and rely on air (and snow) coming in to cool the engine. You're not supposed to put any restrictions in the openings. I put hood screens on my liquid sled (to keep snow out) but it didn't come that way stock.

Anybody who has ever ridden through a good size water hole knows that the insides will get plenty wet...