Clean oil in the engine bay?

j14

I'm an idiot...I filled my car with oil this morning and after a about and hour or so of driving the smell of oil was overpowering. I have just opened my bonnet to find I forgot to replace the oil cap. My engine bay is full of oil. It's dripping everywhere. Have I done any permanent damage? Is there anything I should do now or do I just let the oil dry out and eventually burn off?

Harcrid

First thing to do is check the oil level and see where it is at. That will give you an indication on whether there was potentially any damage done. I have forgotten to put the oil cap on myself in the past and had the same outcome with no damage. I had the engine bay cleaned as it will never be the same again otherwise.

Atlantic Dawn

Try to remove it from the auxillary belt and pullies if any has got on to this. Baby wipes are good at removing it. I did it before myself, leaves a mess but shouldn't do any harm.

biko

Refill car with oil.

There are various degreasers you can buy that will break down oil.
Use one of these at a garage with a jet lance and then clean engine bay.

You can also get a pro to clean the engine if that's an option, or if you're not used to DIY your car.

barneygumble99

Tin of brake cleaner will clean a lot of it.

j14

Would a steam cleaning remove the oil?

biko

Probably, you may want to use a degreaser anyway

Atlantic Dawn

j14 wrote: »

Would a steam cleaning remove the oil?

Yes but be careful, wrap all electronic parts of the engine in plastic or clingfilm, particuary the ECU. If it was me I would use the wipes, the steam cleaner might do more harm than good.