I Need a Good Engine Degreaser to Go With My Pressure Washer

I'm trying to isolate the source(s) of oil appearing on the driveway and in the garage. The oil pan has already been identified but I'm thinking its' not the only location to explain the copious amounts of spillage. The oil pan has long been an issue but it hasn't too problematic and it's been on the "to do" list. But the leakage has increased dramatically after the car sat for nearly a year and then was transported to PA last summer.

Anyway, the immediate problem is to remove layers of oil deposited and baked on by engine heat.

What do you recommend for a good degreaser to be used in conjunction with a 4hp pressure washer?

Castrol superclean. Best stuff I've used.

It's not generally recommended to use a pressure washer in the engine bay due to the various electrical stuff.

I have always been told pressure washer ok, but steam cleaner no

Tom_Spangler wrote: It's not generally recommended to use a pressure washer in the engine bay due to the various electrical stuff.

I know where you're coming from. It's just that the accumulated oil deposits are resistant to the recommended steady-stream of a garden hose.

Last week I covered the most-likely-affected electrical bits and sprayed an entire can of "GUNK" on the suspicious areas. Then, I (very) carefully used the pressure washer and had nary an issue.

I'm thinking/hoping I can do the same thing with the next round but want to use a better alternative to "GUNK" aerosol.

I use simple green. I was also told to not pressure wash engine bays, but ive done it on literally every car I own.

With a high mount alternator ill toss a plastic bag on it then spray everything else with little to no regard. Never had an issue that sitting and drying out wouldnt fix, and my engine bays look soooo much better and finding leaks is way easier.

Dusterbd13 wrote: Castrol superclean. Best stuff I've used.

This x 100 million.

Castro Superclean is awesome, but it is a killer on aluminum due to the acidic content. So rinse it off and negate it quickly.

I would also protect any electrical components where possible.

I usually let the engine come up to temp, shut her down, cover the alternator, spray everuthing with simple green, close the hood and let sit for 15-20 min. Then rinse thoroughly with garden hose pressure. Works well on the top side.

Another vote for Superclean, but it can discolor paint, as well