Small cam cover weep and engine degreaser

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Hi All,

After 9 super happy months of ownership of the 550, and using it regularly, I noticed a small weep of oil under the cam cover a couple of days ago as I was doing an inspection of the engine bay.
The leak feels very small (nothing on the floor, not very wet looking etc...)

I am going to clean the oily area off the engine and see how long it takes to come back to assess the seriousness of it. For context the car had been sitting for a few years with its previous owner, whom had only put minimal mileage over his 5 years ownership. I have put more miles in 9 months than he ever did.

Any recommendations on a good degreaser for the engine bay?

Also, watching videos on YouTube, people recommend to use a hose to rinse things off after covering all electrical connections. That sounds a bit scary... any thoughts on water + engine bay?

Thank you
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
Just don't use a jet wash (or loose all manner of bits and paint. Cover the plugs and coil packs etc with a plastic bag of cling film.
 

lifes2short

Member
Messages
5,821
Swarfega jizer, 5lt from euro car parts and a very light rinse with water, low pressure hose and as mentioned keep away from electricals etc, air hose would be useful if you have a small compressor
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,075
Go for a drive after you’ve rinsed it off.

You’ll need to get the gasket changed they go hard. Same on BMWs, Maseratis etc.