remove oil engine bay

cena

What is the best way to remove oil from around the engine area.

biko

Is it lots? Have you fixed the cause and now are just looking to clean it?
Unless you can reach it to wipe it off, degreaser and jet wash.
Don't blast water on exposed electrical components. You may want to spray from a little distance away too so you're not doing full-on pressure on the engine.

sebastianlieken

I use a power washer on a warm sunny day (to let everything dry afterwards)
Then i'll go around with a bucket of warm water, a sponge, and good old fairy liquid.
rinse and allow to dry.

I then go around it with wd-40 and an old towel to clean up any metal that is still dirty (and spray generously on any small electrical connectors top flush any water out)
if there are especially stuborn oil stains on plastic engine covers or what have you; I know you can buy degreaser - but I actually find windowlene to be quite good.

I definatly wouldn't power wash the engine bay when the engine is still hot though. you may cause damage to some metal bits and their tempers.#

But i'm a total amateur when it comes to engine bay cleaning. I'm not fanatical or anything - I just want a reasonably clean engine bay.

also, as Biko said; be mindful of the electrical connectors and go easy on them. make sure they dry out properly. and in the case of the battery terminals - grease them up again afterwards if needed)

cena

biko wrote: »

Is it lots? Have you fixed the cause and now are just looking to clean it?
Unless you can reach it to wipe it off, degreaser and jet wash.
Don't blast water on exposed electrical components. You may want to spray from a little distance away too so you're not doing full-on pressure on the engine.

No not fixed the cause. What to give it a clean so I can see where it is coming from

sebastianlieken

cena wrote: »

No not fixed the cause. What to give it a clean so I can see where it is coming from

In that case... i'd be careful about high pressure water around the engine. You might end up spraying a bit INTO the engine.

somebody can correct me if this is daft, but i'd be inclined to get a container of petrol, white spirits, or some other degreaser and clean the bay by hand with a rag.

i'd use petrol. (but that's becasue i'm cheap and lazy)

Cheensbo

Ive used the green "gunk" from halfrauds, with a compressor & "washing gun" does the trick,

But i think any degreaser/cleaner would do the job just as well, just tried the gunk for the craic, its a bit expensive for what it is imo..

Then just agitated with a brush where I could, and then rinse with the gun with pure water, or with the hose..

biko

Petrol can be dangerous on a hot engine so be vary of that just in case.

I'd go to Topaz or similar and get the jet wash. They also have a waste water system so better for the environment.
Spray down the engine bay with your detergent of choice, then go in a buy a coffee and have that while you wait 5-10 mins for it to work and engine to cool a little.
Then scrub with a wet dish brush where you can reach and finish by spraying from a distance until engine is clean.

I've cleaned many engines this way and never had an issue, that's not to say it'll be the best way for you engine.

You can use plastic bags to cover sensitive components like alternator and exposed wires. Again mind the hot engine,you don't want them to melt

Gary ITR

Degreaser, stiff brush and a watering can is the best way. Stay away from any electrical components with the water

mikeecho

you cant beat a bit of Jizzer



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swarfega-Jizer-Engine-Degreaser-Litre/dp/B005FCCBBY