Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

[sky5900]

I purchased a used 2009 4-stroke outboard and laid it on the wrong side overnight (dipstick side down) and oils seeped from dipstick plug. Now there is oil all around the bottom of the engine compartment which must have also drained out of a drain hole at the bottom and into the cover below the compartment and ultimately dripped onto the floor. What should I use to clean the compartment? Water and detergent of some kind? Spray a degreaser in there? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

 

[boat1010]

Re: Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

Dawn dish washing soap does a pretty good job on oil. I would put the drain plug back in and use dawn soap and warm water. put enough water to "slosh" around and drive the boat on the trailer for a little while to agitate the water. LOL best I could come up with.. Good luck..

 

[boobie]

Re: Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

I've always used CRC Cleaner Degreaser. Does a super job.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

Well Dawn is recommended for cleaning sea birds, so why not. Actually any degreaser mixed with warm water in in a spray bottle. Gentle hosing to rinse. Don't take it to the local car wash.except for the exterior. No telling what you're gonna find when you drop the lower for an impeller change. Good luck.

And :welcome: aboard, sky5900.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

Dawn IS very good at removing grease and oil, but before you use it, soak up as much oil as possible with kitty litter. The good stuff. Sprinke the litter liberally and let set a day or two. Then, there will only be a film to remove by washing.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

Yes, wipe up as much as you can. Get a new rag and spray the spill area with the Purple Cleaner. Castrol Superclean is one such product. It really does a good job with lots less rinsing than Dawn. Spray 9 also works well.

I use the purple stuff to clean my oil change drain pan when I want to use it to change the antifreeze. A spray, a fast brushing and a rinse with tehe hose, and all the oil is gone.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Best way to clean spilled oil from inside engine compartment?

Oh, yes! I forgot: You also have the option of using propylene glycol. (environmentally green anti-freeze). PG is an excellent solvent for oil and grease as evidenced by its use in hand cleaners such as GOJO. Regular anti-freeze will work also. Use either one straight--not diluted.