My engine could do with a little freshening up and i was thinking of getting it steam cleaned. Has anybody had theirs done and if so did you have any problems?
Also does anyone know of any decent places to get this done either in the North west (Lancashire Area) or North East (North Yorkshire, Darlington Area)?
I have a 03 STI if that makes any difference.

I'd advise that you didn't! we've seen far too many with management problems after that treatment. A decent degreaser and a hose pipe would be better.

Are there any areas that i would need to cover to stop water ingress or would i be ok hozing the whole engine down as long as its not a presure hoze?

I use Auto Glym engine and machine cleaner, spray on and work in gently with a wheel cleaning brush, then use a spray bottle to rince away the degreaser. Much safer than using a hose on the engine, and still comes up just as good, but just takes a little longer.

Look here at the website I created

Polished Swiss

It is on a classic but the principle is the same

Here is a link for you bud.

Car Care Advice - Engine - How to safely clean and protect your engine bay

" Agitate the really dirty parts with a coneshaped bristle brush or your wife's toothbrush."




Oh and swiss... might even give it a go

I should have worded that as ex-wife

Couldn't agree more! We won't steam clean engines anymore, causes more trouble than it's worth.

APC, a selection of brushes and a hose or watering can are more than upto the job.