Tip; Ridding your engine of leaked oil - Post Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

cr4x4cruiser

Observer
So, for the second time in as many weeks we have replaced the valve cover gaskets/ vacuum lines/ coolant hoses on our other G2.5 [1998 SR / 109.775 mi]. Along with spark plugs/ wires/ PCV.

Yes, it does get a bit quicker with practice... though I still wish I had joints/ bones that could rotate 360 degrees.

All went well, and we fired it up... SWEEEEET! Prior to the service the rig sounded/ acted like it was running on 5 cylinders... was really hating to hear what our mechanic was going to find. Now? Now it sounds like it should.

But, in sorting it out... running it for awhile... getting the heat up to temp... we discovered LOTS of oil smoke billowing out. Then, we discovered LOTS of oil pooling underneath!

Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot!

Relax, walk away, get a beverage, think, think, think... after taking it all in... as well as some accidental discoveries... we found that there is a fair amount of oil that can accumulate underneath.

Primarily, we found that the passenger-side catalytic converter collects a massive amount of oil [and grime/ grit] in between the converter and the protective [heat] shield.

The solution [for me] was to run the engine, all while spraying 505 cleaner [same as 409, found at HD & bought by the gallon] onto the oil/ grease/ grime found on the engine [16oz. spray bottle].

Whatever was not evaporated washed down to the bottom - directly towards the converter [it's as if the converter is a perfect repository for wayward oil off of the engine].

Mostly, when doing this, we are looking at anything below the valve covers. As well, we would follow up with small streams of water. I'm not worried about anything cracking [exhaust manifolds], since it is only sporadic and done upon initial start-up - for just a few minutes.

I spent considerable time [over two days and breaks in between for cool-downs] directing water right at the converter [yes, water directly from a hose]. The boiling cleaner & water was completely responsible for loosening any remnants of oil/ sludge trapped within.

No more billowing smoke...

No more droplets [of any kind] found on the concrete...



Lastly; as for "engine de-greaser"... I find it makes more of mess than when I started... I have no use for this product, at all. The 505 cleaner even removes all traces of any engine de-greaser!

Next; Timing Belt...

Have fun, kids!


- Wm.
 

Toasty

Looking for that thing i just had in my hand...
Pro tip: When installing the front cam seals be sure not to drive them in too deep (ESPECIALLY WITH AFTERMARKET SEALS!!!) as you can drive them in past the seal bore without even realizing it. Your truck will pour oil out the front of the head and you'll have to tear the whole thing down again.
 

cr4x4cruiser

Observer
Toasty,

Thanks for the tip... we will be sure to "school" our mechanic.

Yes, I will not tackle the timing belt replacement...

Why?

Lack of proper work space...

Lack of any/ all specialty tools...

Lack of confidence in doing it right - the first time [we're experts at getting it right the third time].

This dog is too old to be foolish enough to think saving $400 trumps my sanity/ mood/ peace of mind.


Note; we saw no stains on the concrete this morning... ran the rig again today... woo-hoo, no drips, nor traces of smoke - at all!

These projects have been worth the cuts & curses...
 

JohnnyBfromPeoria

I'm Getting Around To It
Good tips on both the cleaner and the cam seal replacement. I've alternately used Scrubbing Bubbles and a degreaser concentrate in the ZEP brand (also from Home Depot). For the concentrate, I mix it up stronger than recommended (oops) in an old lawn weed sprayer and spray everything that looks greasy, then hit it with the pressure washer.

John B.
 

Offroadmuch

Explorer
Full strength Simple Green is great. Even diluted is pretty good. My engine began to have a very small leak at the back of the heads after I started running full synthetic. Never did before. To get rid of the burning oil smell and the ability to do a better visual inspection I regularly wash off all of the leaky oil. Not much just enough to notice and give off a smell. I pull out of the garage onto my driveway and shut it off so the motor stays cold to the touch. Then spray all effected areas with Simple Green and let it soak for a bit. Then just hose it off with a high pressure nozzle. The I try to drive it and dry it all off.
 

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