Engine - High Pressure Steam Cleaning Warning

Group 12
Engine - Electrical

Bulletin Number
12 03 89 (1838)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
March 1989
Technical Dept.

SUBJECT:
High Pressure Engine Steam Cleaning

MODELS:
All

Situation:
High pressure engine steam cleaning can force cleaning solutions into the engine harness sheath and associated cables, causing unusual problems which otherwise would not have occurred

The high quality BMW engine harness multiplugs and related sealing measures were never intended to be subjected to the discharge velocity and force of typical commercial steam cleaning units. Further, cleaning solutions used in conjunction with the high pressure discharge can leave corrosive, if not conductive, residues deep within the harness and cables.

BMW engines are rarely so encrusted with automotive residues and dirt that normal low pressure degreasing methods fail to provide proper, efficient cleaning.

Clearly, high pressure engine steam cleaning is unnecessary and should be restricted to extreme cleaning jobs, i.e., commercial trucks, off road vehicles, et

CONSEQUENTLY HIGH PRESSURE ENGINE STEAM CLEANING IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED FOR BMW ENGINES.

Typical BMW engine washing procedure:

1. Bring engine to operating temperature, switch engine off.

2. Cover or shield any component (AFM, ignition distributor, multiplugs etc.) situated in the area to be cleaned with plastic sheeting. Pieces of a "BMW Clean Kit" seat cover or the equivalent will provide adequate protection.

3. Apply engine degreaser or general engine cleaning solvent and allow to soak for up to five minutes (follow manufacturer's instructions).

4. Warm water spray the area to be cleaned, flushing the solvent and the contaminants loose.

Note:
- Do not aim the water spray directly at components.
- Do not use the waterspray any longer than necessary.
- Do not wash the entire engine compartment when only one area requires degreasing, e.g., front crankshaft radial seal, M20 oil filter replacement, etc.

5. Blow dry the cleaned area immediately with a moderate compressed air jet.

6. Start engine immediately and preferably road test vehicle.

Information:
Warranty claims for corroded connections and contaminated multiplugs which a caused by improper engine cleaning will no longer be honored.

Labor Operation Information:
The general engine cleaning procedure stated herein is a simple, common sense guideline. The labor allowance for cleaning is always included in any labor allowance for fluid leakage repair.

When special cleaning is requested, additional time and a definite labor operation will be provided for that specific repair.