JoshToy84

This might be no brainer question but I just want to be sure.

Ive got some pretty thick oil buildup on the front of my engine I want to clean off, and I was wondering, what's the best way to collect and dispose of the gobs of oil I'm expecting to clear off this motor?

Collect in a pan and take to an oil disposal center?

Co_94_PU

iTrader: (-1)

The places taking in "used oil" are sending it for recycling/ rerefining the sludge on the outside of your engine is trash. Spray it off with a solvent. Evaporate the solvent and dispose of it..

If you cared to go thru the trouble something like draino will convert it to "soap" which is slightly more landfill friendly.

atxMatt

If you can get to a coin operated car wash, you can do it there. Typically they have a grease and grit trap and are setup to recycle the sludge that comes off from car washing. I'd take a good degreaser, spray it down, let it soak then throw in a few quarters and blast it of. Wash rinse repeat.

JoshToy84

I'm a little skeptical about spraying water around electrical components like the alternator, starter..also you never know if a plug isn't seated right...water seeps in..overspray gets into the coil...

5 Fists

This has also been my concern with doing something along these lines, but I know a lot of guys will wash engine bays down like this.

Anyone that has done this chime in? What's common practice, bring some poly and cover electrical before spraying down?

JoshToy84

I can tell you I've seen a few you tibe vids that would suggest NOT hosing down the motor itself. If cleaning the bay you can, just cover the motor.

JoshToy84

Well considering there wasn't much room to really clean the front, and not wanting to disconnect too much, I didn't do too bad of a job.

atxMatt

Well see, top of the engine I would never spray, too many vac lines and electric, but you asked about the front of the engine. As long as you are not spraying at full pressure (and risk getting past any seals (same goes for suspension and steering parts), spraying the side/front of an engine should be no big deal. Top, never. Top of an engine I just mist with cleaner then wipe it down with disposable rags. As for disposal of oil rags, most oil recycling places won't take them. If you really want, you can save them for a community household hazardous waste disposal event (or some city recycling centers will take HHW all the time). Me, I usually just double bag them and throw them away. It won't be the worst thing going into the landfill.