Engine Cleaning

05 Freelander TD4 HSE

Just had a full make-over on the Freebie including 60,000 service, aircon, MOT. The engine is looking rather mucky - Service chap reckons there is (or was) an oil leak somewhere and there is a coating on the engine which I'd like to get cleaned up (making it all nice and shiny for winter). Reduces any risk of fire, plus being a soft office sort, we like clean engines. The oil looks dark and old, so I'm reasonably happy that there isn't a leak at the moment (no evidence under the car!). Just general muck.

So... the rather blousey subject of Engine Cleaning - would anybody please have any recommendations, other than "burn it", which, if I don't clean the oil off, will probably happen? Anyone had their engine steam cleaned? Risks? Cost? Am I better with a bag of rags and a tub of Gunk? Any areas to be careful of (don't want to de-grease summit that should be greased!)? There are many potions and lotions available - are they any good?

:doh:

Thats bloody typical someone hwo sits on there ass all day looking out the window has no idea of hwo or what to do :doh:

if you get it steam cleaned you are introudcing moisture into the engine bay.Is this a good idea?Also aint ya engine covered by plastic?Why bother.There is probably no reduction in fire risk-its an internal combustion engine after all.If it aint broke dont try to fix it.