Cleaning Underside of Engine

Dilmorecg · 04-08-2015, 06:14 PM

I was doing some work on my car the other day and noticed oil all over the place under the engine. I cant tell where its coming from so I want to clean the underside of the engine.

Wiped off as much as I could but its very odd. I think the dealer spilled oil at my last oil change because I still read full when I check. Also, its all over the place...front and back. Car has been running fine since Ive noticed.

Can I just take a brown bear car wash pressure washer and stick it under the car (with the plastic removed)? I was also thinking about running it through a carwash that does underbody spraying...but I dont really want to run it through a car wash.

Anyone have any experience with this?

ShocknAwe · 04-08-2015, 08:09 PM

Best thing to do is clean it up best you can, then go back in a little and check it. Just keep an eye on it for a while. If you have new oil, you have a leak.

Pig Farmer · 04-09-2015, 06:29 AM

Black Majic 2-in-1 Engine Shine works great for this type of clean up. Just spay the product where ever you see oil and let it sit for a few minutes. If you have any caked-on grime, just hit it with a toothbrush. Have a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drips. Then spray down the area you cleaned with water trying not to soak any electrical parts. It doesn't take much water. I found that one of those 1 gallon pump up weed spray applicators you can purchase from Home Depot works great for spraying off the excess. This product is mild and won't etch aluminum like some of the heavy duty engine cleaners, yet it is very effective for breaking up oil and grime. Good luck, and fingers crossed that the oil is just the result of a clumsy service tech.

Zombie1 · 04-10-2015, 02:16 PM

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Bare_Bon..._p/tvd_104.htm

this stuff is amazing spray wait a couple then hose it off!

dbiker207 · 08-30-2015, 02:18 PM

Use non chlorinated brake clean. Get yourself about 3 cans and start spraying.

Dackelone · 08-30-2015, 02:46 PM

I like to use BrakeKleen too. I would use a nonflamable one like CRC makes.

I also really like this product from P21S: Total Auto Wash

https://www.detailersdomain.com/prod...o-wash-1-liter

04-08-2015, 06:14 PM	#1
Dilmorecg Second Lieutenant 115 Rep 256 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 50i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Gig Harbor, WA iTrader: (1)	Cleaning Underside of Engine I was doing some work on my car the other day and noticed oil all over the place under the engine. I cant tell where its coming from so I want to clean the underside of the engine. Wiped off as much as I could but its very odd. I think the dealer spilled oil at my last oil change because I still read full when I check. Also, its all over the place...front and back. Car has been running fine since Ive noticed. Can I just take a brown bear car wash pressure washer and stick it under the car (with the plastic removed)? I was also thinking about running it through a carwash that does underbody spraying...but I dont really want to run it through a car wash. Anyone have any experience with this? __________________ 2014 X5 50i
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04-08-2015, 08:09 PM	#2
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3233 Rep 7,894 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Best thing to do is clean it up best you can, then go back in a little and check it. Just keep an eye on it for a while. If you have new oil, you have a leak. __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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04-09-2015, 06:29 AM	#3
Pig Farmer Major 340 Rep 1,293 Posts Drives: E92M Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Black Majic 2-in-1 Engine Shine works great for this type of clean up. Just spay the product where ever you see oil and let it sit for a few minutes. If you have any caked-on grime, just hit it with a toothbrush. Have a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drips. Then spray down the area you cleaned with water trying not to soak any electrical parts. It doesn't take much water. I found that one of those 1 gallon pump up weed spray applicators you can purchase from Home Depot works great for spraying off the excess. This product is mild and won't etch aluminum like some of the heavy duty engine cleaners, yet it is very effective for breaking up oil and grime. Good luck, and fingers crossed that the oil is just the result of a clumsy service tech.
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04-10-2015, 02:16 PM	#4
Zombie1 Colonel 171 Rep 2,347 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 2010 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Island long iTrader: (6)	this is great for removing grease/oil http://www.chemicalguys.com/Bare_Bon..._p/tvd_104.htm this stuff is amazing spray wait a couple then hose it off! __________________ Mods:-Berkexhaust -alpinaB3flash -CobbAP -Cobb FMIC -ER charge pipe tialQ bov -M3 front sway bar -M3 subframe bushings -M3 front upper and lower control arms -M3 guide rods -M3 rear upper control arms -Mfactory LSD -defiv lockdown kit -TC Kline SA coilovers /camber plates- HP rear toe arms
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08-30-2015, 02:18 PM	#5
dbiker207 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 2009 135i m sport Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	Use non chlorinated brake clean. Get yourself about 3 cans and start spraying.
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08-30-2015, 02:46 PM	#6
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	I like to use BrakeKleen too. I would use a nonflamable one like CRC makes. I also really like this product from P21S: Total Auto Wash https://www.detailersdomain.com/prod...o-wash-1-liter __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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