Attempting to find oil leak

[rils761]

Hello there everybody
I am pretty sure that I have got an oil leak somewhere and i cant exactly figure out where it is due to the excessive amount of sludgey crud built up on the engine.
i want to attempt to clean the engine to remove all the gunk and see if i can see oil new accumulating anywhere.
i guess my question is how should i go about cleaning the engine as I am worried about damaging electronics in the engine bay/ is there a better way to find this leak?

[jaredmac11]

Get some LA's Totally Awesome at your dollar store (dollar general) by the gallon or by the spray bottle and just go to town. I wouldnt spray connectors directly but I wouldnt worry too much. Then get some uv dye and see if you can find the source.



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[dukedkt442]

If you have sludgy crud, then you definitely have an oil leak (probably several). Rocker cover, oil pan gasket... take your pick.

[jaredmac11]

One of my favorite and most rewarding experiences was taking my grease caked engine out of the car, tearing it down, cleaning each individual piece to a spotless condition, resealing it, and finding a new oil stain from a new leak just 3 months later.

Super cool.

[amarino]

Look for how high the oil and grime are. Is it all the way from the valve cover, or only below the head, or only below the oil pan? More in the front or in the rear of the engine?

Can look for steam cleaning / undercarriage wash in your area. Steam is supposed to be better than pressure washing since it's not as high...pressure. I think if they just focus on the underside and don't do anything from the top should be okay for old connectors.

Or jack it up and get some degreaser, spray bottle, and brushes like mentioned above and put in some elbow grease. Don't forget goggles and mask unless you want whatever splashes off on your face.

[320iAman]

I'd get a can of acetone at Home D with resistant gloves and rags and wipe off the oil pan including where it joins to the engine block plus the hard to get to places at the rear of the motor, this includes all the M6 bolts that hold the oil pan to block-these get loose oil can seep thru this way too, next wipe off the timing covers upper and lower, throw some cardboard underneath the oil pan and trace the leaks upwards, wipe off the oil drain plug as well, if need be start the car and warm up and then shut it off. Oil pan gaskets age from heat cycling and leaks do happen because of aged silicon sealer - like ultra black ect.

Randy