Left oil cap off car engine. Now oil all over engine?

Question

I recently left the oil cap off my car engine. Drive around for a day then notice their was oil leaking for my car. Upon opening my hood there was oil everywhere. Anything I can use to the the oil off or just let it dry/leak?

Answer 1

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RE:

Left oil cap off car engine. Now oil all over engine?

I recently left the oil cap off my car engine. Drive around for a day then notice their was oil leaking for my car. Upon opening my hood there was oil everywhere. Anything I can use to the the oil off or just let it dry/leak?

Answer 2

Oil Cap

Answer 3

First... Put the cap back on. Pick up 1 or 2 cans of "Gunk Engine Cleaner", Drive to a do it yourself car wash, (If you have a carburetor cover with a leak proof plastic bag) ... With the engine warm, spray the Gunk on, let it sit for a bit and Power wash it off.

Answer 4

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First off top off the oil then replace the cap. You can use engine degreaser or brake clean, then hose it off at a car wash. Be sure you wear clothes you want to throw away.

Answer 5

Soap and water will remove it, the hotter the water the better.



I'd be leery of using a pressure washer underhood (I know people do, just a bad idea IMO) unless pressure was turned down to ~50PSI, but as long as it could use soap it would be fine.



Any of the various chemicals aimed at cutting grease may be harsh on the paint or plastic, so I'd shy away from those.



Car wash normally has low-pressure soapy water, even though it's most often not heated. Soap cuts oil, so it should work ok. If the car was still warm, would probably work even better.



Edit: lots of thumbs down for people, but no real answer as to why low-pressure water and soap would be a problem, as opposed to the various oil-cutting chemicals that normally say to keep away from plastic and rubber, which is exteremely prevalent underhood.

Answer 6

It will not dry up, ever. It will collect dirt and it will drip and be blown all over everything under the hood. You can have it professionally steam cleaned off. You can also clean it off with Gunk Foaming Engine Cleaner. You can leave it where it is and hope it doesn't get on the exhaust pipes and start a fire or get on the belts and rot them and make them slip. Replace the cap as soon as possible. Refill the oil to the proper level.

Answer 7

I washed my engine at the car wash the other day. Just keep away from the ignition coils and alternator and you should be fine.



The v6 in my F150 uses a coil pack, so it's not as sensitive to water.

Answer 8

If it works it's way into clutch compartment it'll ruin the clutch plate too. unfortunately I don't have answer to problem as I'm having same one myself but will follow advice above and hope for best. Good luck. Fingers X'd

Answer 9

This may be a stroke of LUCK really!!!! Get a can of GUNK ORANGE engine cleaner spray from most auto stores! GO to a DIY car wash and clean the entire ENGINE BAY with much GLEE! A CLEAN engine will work better as the inherent HEAT will dissipate evenly and the engine metals can BREATHE again! Wash the space BEHIND the radiator.WHAT KIND OF CAR IS THIS anyway?? KEEP IT CLEAN!

Answer 10

new oil cap, lots of engine degreaser and pressure washing the engine (cover ignition components when washing)

Answer 11

Stupid Stupid, high chance Cambelt may now be contaminated