can anyone recommend a place in the NYC area that would be able to steam clean an engine?? Would a Strauss Store (with a garage) be able to do this??
Thanks in advance

 

I don't live in your area, but I would use yelp and look for car detailers or car wash; not parts or repair shops.

then use the phone to see if they offer that service.

 

there's a good one I used to go to at Northern Blvd. towards Flushing just a few blocks. It's a carwash and Mobil oil change station

 

I would go with a detail shop for that. I tried a hand car wash/detail shop recently in Astoria that was pretty good; Beverly Hills Hand Car Wash on 31st St. There is also one on Astoria Blvd, I assume they are the same owners but I am not sure. Try calling them and see what they say.

 

Does steam cleaning hurt the engine?

 

If done wrong or if you are just plain unlucky yes your car can get messed up. Not usually the engine, but electronics or some sensors that got hit can get messed up. And every modern car now will not run without the electronics.

I personally would just hand clean with general cleaner and rags.
I suppose if depends what you are trying to accomplish and how dirty your engine bay was to weigh the pros/cons

 

Like most things in the hands of an untrained person steam machines can do some damage. Most heat the steam to around 300* and can put out a pretty healthy amount of steam.

Any detailer who knows what he is doing will protect sensitive electronics and use care around them as well.

 

Just to update, the place I have been to on 31 St is called Beverly Hills Auto Spa, and is NOT affiliated with Beverly Hills Hand Wash on Astoria Blvd, which I have not been to. I asked the guy on 31 St and he said they steam clean engines, sorry I didn't think to ask how much.

 

Think twice about steam cleaning: in addition to putting your electronics at risk, you're flushing away good grease with the bad. It's also hard on rubber bushings.
I suspect someone steam cleaned my pre-owned 2009 Fit sometime before I bought it: the aluminum surfaces, esp. the headers, have slight pitting and oxidation. IMHO, spot cleaning with an old rag is still the best way to detail your engine compartment.