valve cover gasket

[Brian]

I wanting to replace the valve cover gasket on my 1995 cavalier 2.2L it’s leaking oil all over the engine what do you recommend using to clean the engine with a lot of oil build up I never cleaned a engine before.

Topic

[Aaron Abajian]

I would suggest some pretty strong degreaser. Just spray it on, let it sit and wipe it off. Maybe use a wire brush for the tough stuff. I would strongly suggest that you do not spray water inside you engine bay. It could really cause electrical issues. Also, use gloves when applying and removing the degreaser… It’s pretty strong stuff.

[Austin]

Brake clean.

[zero]

[quote=”ShopTech” post=108399]Brake clean.[/quote]

The technicians secret weapon. 😉

When you pull the valve cover off you could use some sort of mild detergent and water to clean it. If you don’t have a degreaser of some sort handy liquid dishsoap is pretty good at it and it won’t kill your hands. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then a decent shot of brake clean and a quick wipe will ensure there’s nothing left.

Then afterwards you can go to the car wash and use the engine cleaner if your local one has it or go buy a can and do it at home. Yes it’s safe to spray your engine compartment directly with water, just don’t be too generous and you should be ok.

Those engines have a nasty habit of the oil leaking down into the spark plug boots and causing a misfire, I would suggest that either your plugs and wires are due for replacement anyway or after you have the excess oil removed pull of the boots. Give them and the end of the spark plug a spray with brake clean to remove any oil (since it will eventually destroy the wires) and apply some di-electric grease to the wire ends so you have a good clean connection.

[EricTheCarGuy]

The above suggestions seem to cover it. I have little to add other than do what you can to be environmentally friendly. Most car washes have traps to keep contaminants from going back into the waste water. That would be a good place to do your ‘degreasing’.

Good luck with the job.

[Author]

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