If you are a first-time car owner with limited engine experience, seeing spilled oil around your engine can be a stressful experience. The thought of the oil spill causing damage to your machine can be traumatizing.
Well, spilled oil on the engine during an oil change is common. It should only be a cause alarm if you leave the mess unaddressed for long.
In case of an oil spill, all you need to do is clean the engine to ensure it remains in good working condition and prevent damage.
This article will cover some tips and tricks for cleaning up engine oil spills to prevent long-term damage and avoid costly repairs.
What Happens if Oil Spills on Engine?
The effects of oil spills on the engine depend on the amount spilled, where it lands, and how fast you clean it up.
If only a tiny amount of oil spills on the engine’s exterior, it will only create a mess that is easy to clean with a rag or paper towel. A large spill can make it hard for you to inspect the engine for leaks, especially if it hides in cracks or joints.
Oil spills outside the engine can also cause cosmetic damage and attract dirt and debris, which might be difficult to clean later.
When oil spills on the engine’s hot components, it can start smoking and even catch fire if not dealt with promptly. High temperatures on the engine block can cause the engine to ignite.
Therefore, if oil spills on the engine, you’ve got reason to worry. Remember, the purpose of engine oil is to lubricate the engine’s moving parts. If it is not where it is supposed to be, those parts can get damaged.
Additionally, if the oil is contaminated, it can clog the engine and cause further damage.
Will Oil Spilled on Engine Catch Fire?
Although it is relatively rare, spilled oil can catch fire on an engine.
Engine oil is combustible and can cause a fire if exposed to a hot surface. Therefore, if it spills on a hot engine, it can quickly heat up and produce flammable vapors that can ignite.
Note that the time it takes for the oil to catch fire depends on the amount of oil spilled and the engine’s temperature.
For instance, if a small amount of oil spills on a moderately hot engine, it will take several minutes for the oil to catch fire. On the other hand, if a large amount spills on a very hot engine, it can catch fire almost immediately.
And you don’t want fire on your engine as it can spread to the entire car very fast and compromise your safety.
What to Do if You Spilled Oil on Engine
If oil spills on your engine during an oil change, get a clean absorbent material like a rag, cloth, or paper towels to soak up the spilled oil.
You can also use absorbent pads, cat litter, baking soda, sawdust, or cornstarch to soak up spilled oil.
Let the materials absorb as much oil as possible because you do not want it to become a problem later. Pay attention to moving pulleys, belts, electrical components, and other engine parts where the oil could have spilled on.
After soaking up most of the oil, it’s time to clean the engine thoroughly. You can use an engine cleaner or a degreaser to cut through the grease and wash it away.
Now that the engine is clean, check for any signs of leaks and have them repaired immediately if you notice them to prevent damage.
Also, be sure to dispose of the soiled paper towels or rags properly and as per local regulations.
How to Clean Spilled Oil off Engine
To clean the oil off your engine, gather the cleaning tools and equipment first. They include:
- A pair of protective gloves
- Plastic bags
- Absorbent pads or a rag
- Citrus-based engine cleaner
- Degreaser
- Pressure washer
- Microfiber towels
- A stiff cleaning brush
- Protective treatment
Step 1: Prepare for Cleaning
Ensure you park the car in an area where oil and cleaners won’t cause damage. The location should be easy to clean after the work is done.
Step 2: Soak up the Oil
Wear protective gloves and place the absorbent pad, rag, or paper towels on the oil spill to soak up the oil. Let the pads absorb as much oil as possible.
Step 3: Use Plastic Covers
Use the plastic bags to cover the opening leading to the oil filter, the fuse box, and the distributor. Water or cleaning solutions can seep into the air filter box and damage the air filter.
You also do not water to come into contact with the fuse box or the distributor. These contain electrical components that water can damage.
Step 4: Use the Engine Cleaner
After soaking up the oil, the next step is to clean the engine with the citrus-based engine cleaner or any other mild detergent and water. Avoid acid-based cleaners as they can remove paint.
Step 5: Apply a Degreaser
Using the degreaser will help break down any grease that remains after cleaning the oil spill with the detergent.
Work in small sections and use the brush to get into all spots where the oil could have accumulated. Repeat the process to your satisfaction.
Step 6: Rinse the Engine and Wipe Dry
Rinse the degreaser off the engine reaching all nooks and crannies using a pressure washer or garden hose.
Next, dry the area with microfiber towels and ensure your engine is completely dry.
Step 7: Remove the Plastic Covers and Run the Engine
Now that your engine is clean, it’s time to remove the plastic bag covers from the air filter box, the distributor, and the fuse box.
Start the engine and observe how it works. Do this in a properly ventilated area since the degreaser and oil residue cause a foul odor as they burn off.
If there is no cause for alarm, like smoke rising from the engine, proceed to the next step.
Step 8: Apply Treatment
Wait until the engine cools down completely and treat the rubber hoses, plastic shields, and hoses with a protective treatment.
Is it bad to spill oil on your engine?
Spilling oil on your engine is bad and can cause serious damage if ignored. It can attract dirt and debris, cause cosmetic damage, hide leaks, and even cause a fire.
If oil spills on your engine, finish topping the oil first and then clean the mess immediately.
How long does spilled oil on engine take to cause damage?
How long the spilled oil takes to ruin the engine depends on several factors, including the amount of oil spilled, the engine’s temperature, and how fast the oil is cleaned up.
A small amount of spilled oil around the engine surface won’t cause any damage if wiped immediately. However, if left to sit for long, it can corrode the engine components such as O-rings and rubber hoses.
The damage might be instant if a large amount of you spill oil on a very hot engine. It can burn the hot engine surface and cause smoke and odor.
The oil can also ignite and start a fire if spilled near a hot exhaust manifold.
What are the effects of not cleaning oil spilled on engine?
Failure to clean the spilled oil can result in serious damage to the engine. An oil spill is also a major fire risk, especially if it lands on hot steel or electric sparks.
Additionally, it can cause the serpentine belt to fall off when driving and reduce the steering force.
