Replacing leaky valve cover gasket

[crazycrak]

Im replacing the leaky valve cover gasket on my S10 2.2L and I was wondering what I could use after I get the new one on and ever thing back together to clean up the oil/dirt left behind by the oil leaking out with out damaging my spark plug wires new gasket etc.

 

[Johnny248]

Get some purple power from walmart, spray it all over the engine and let is soak for a few. Then power wash it. Just don't concentrate on your wires or anything one area for two long. I power wash engines all the time to degrease them all the time. The ones you need to worry about are usually dohc with coil on plug or something where water can fill the spark plug tubes and cause it to arch. But that engine should be fine to powerwash. It will look brand new..

 

[crazycrak]

will it discolor my black plastic K&N intake tube?

 

[paulo57509]

That purple stuff works, but using it straight-up it's pretty harsh on painted surfaces.

I've switched back to Simple Green. I spray the engine compartment before I start to wash the car and shut the hood. By the time I'm ready for the final rinse, I open the hood and rinse off the engine compartment.

After a few car washes, the engine gets and remains clean.

 

[mechtech2]

I'd clean it first, and THEN change the gasket.
Then touch up cleaning afterwards if you need it.
You may need a bit of RTV sealant on the ends at certain spots - check your service manual, or if you see evidence of RTV from the factory .