I did not replace my oil cap properly when I topped off the oil 2 days ago and then found this today after an 80 mile drive (yes I am an idiot).

What is the best thing to clean the engine bay with ?

 

I use simple green for light clean ups gunk engine cleaner for the heavy stuff.

 

Gunk is okay then as long as I cover the alternator and electrics

 

For removing oil like that I prefer Gunk in the aerosol cans. Apply it liberally and let sit a while -- 5 to 15 minutes -- then rinse with water.

Be sure you start the engine and let it idle then take the car for a nice drive after to get the engine fully up to temperature to dry it properly.

Be aware the belt will likely slip when you first start the engine so the battery voltage gage will read low, 12V or less, until the belt/pulley dry and the belt spins the alternator. Just let the engine idle until the voltage meter reading shows the belt is spinning the alternator.

Oh, be sure you check the engine oil level as soon as you can to make sure it is not too low.

 

I never cover electrical connections etc but I'm sure others will say to do it= I have cleaned at least a 100 engines with no ill effects. On older Porsches and other euro cars I would electro clean and then use small file or steel wool to clean connections, that fixed many electrical gremlins and the lights were almost always brighter on dash etc. Wanted to add of course avoid the air box opening and yes in the old days I covered distributor lol.

 

I haven't used Gunk in a while. Long time ago it used to leave a white residue, which one do you use?

 

It will at least last time I used= I rinse off using some water with dove soap or spray simple green.

 

Thx, may have a bigger problem but will worry about it tomorrow after I clean it down

 

i would use simple green undiluted.It won't hurt anything and will clean that oil

 

simple green and aluminum don't get along if let setting to long or not rinsed off properly. go to advance auto and get a can of engine cleaner generic and spray the engine down after warming it uup. garden hose with moderate pressure. no need to get crazy just spray and rinse it off fire the car and go for a drive

 

Got all the oil off with some green and then used soap and water and blew it down, then idled for 25 minutes.. will check timorrow if there is a real leak somewhere..

Meanwhile today, picked up a little A3 DD as I blew up my poor old beloved E39 V8 BMW




https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B75dAPkCMAINUyr.jpg:large


The Audi shop owner also owns a few other dealerships like Porsche and BMW

He owned this and just sold it (idiot) !

 

lol, I was looking at and old A3 as a DD today. I kind of wanted the hatch for the random parts/wheel etc haul.

Sad to hear about the 5 series though. I love that body style. Guy in my building has the M5 E39

 

m5 E39 one of my favorite cars ever.

Just tuned the Audi A3 with Eurodyne... fecking little blighter is going 4.8 sec 0-60 mph on the 1st run with LC, picked up around 100 hp from stock..... dual clutch is ok but not the fun of a 6MT to me

 

I cleaned the engine bay.... drove the car for a bit but clearly have an oil leak somewhere around the RHS turbo or pipes... will take a bigger look when I get some stands

 

We used to diagnose oil leaks by cleaning the area and then putting a bit of wet sand around the parts that might be the culprits (if it wasnt near intakes of course). The sand absorbed the oil and less chance of a splash. Gave a good indication of where the leak was occurring.

Dont need to drive long for it to show so it shouldnt cause any issues.

I never bit on the A3 as I was always worried about those older 1.8T's that always seem to carry a couple gremlins with them. I wish they had made a sportcross 2nd gen IS with the awd.