Steam Cleaners

[allfoden]

Are there any relatively inexpensive steam cleaners that can be used to clean engines and undercarages? There are some old used units (diesel fired) for sale but they take up a ton of space

 

[Poser]

A quality steam-cleaning unit is not inexpensive nor are they small....


I have an older Karcher. 240V/Kerosene burner. Yes it takes up space, but I would not have anything else, other than possibly a newer unit.

 

[alia176]

I'm bringing this thread to the top to see what's the latest and greatest steamers people are using. Amazon has tons of <$150 units that are fine for cleaning tile grouts and kitchen vent hoods but I'm looking for something that's a "medium" pressure steam units for engine degreasing and such. A tankless unit is my preference vs having one with a tiny reservoir. I don't have a huge need for a Hotsy but I can easily rent one and drag it home for the weekend.

Thx.

 

[96bruizer]

I've been running a carpet cleaning business for 19 years and have always run a propane burner 180,000 BTU's to heat my water. When it comes to high pressure cleaning (like a greasy undercarriage) imo it takes a minimum of 180,000+ BTU's to create heat that is sustainable. Anything less and you will peak at a max temp then quickly cool down. A diesel / kerosene burner is ideal. Anything less will leave you frustrated with lack of performance / results. just my .02 cents.

 

[alia176]

I've been running a carpet cleaning business for 19 years and have always run a propane burner 180,000 BTU's to heat my water. When it comes to high pressure cleaning (like a greasy undercarriage) imo it takes a minimum of 180,000+ BTU's to create heat that is sustainable. Anything less and you will peak at a max temp then quickly cool down. A diesel / kerosene burner is ideal. Anything less will leave you frustrated with lack of performance / results. just my .02 cents.

I agree with you 100%, hence my comment of renting a Hotsy when I need it. However, I want to degrease small areas, and sometimes areas that are sensitive to high pressures, as well my personal safety at trying to wield a 3' long wand in a tiny space that's outputting 2500psi.

I'm looking for a specific tool, which may not exist but wanted to get some feedback.

But when I do have to use a Hotsy, I try to do it this way

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Have you talked to Dad about his steam cleaner? He's using a cheap one, but it's done great on some engines and stuff. Just slow. I wish I had a bigger one.

Dan

 

[alia176]

Have you talked to Dad about his steam cleaner? He's using a cheap one, but it's done great on some engines and stuff. Just slow. I wish I had a bigger one.

Dan

I've used it and wanted a different style with a separate reservoir. I need something with a small onboard pump, if such thing even exists.

 

[Malleus]

That made me think of this

 

[ChaseTruck]

Interested in a small steam cleaner for getting oil/dirt off the engine while in the truck.
Has anyone used one of the ~$150 units from Amazon?
For me it would be the occasional use, nothing on the professional level.