I apparently left my oil cap off the other day when I put in oil. I smelled something for a couple days but since I dripped a little oil, assumed it was that. Today I noticed smoke. I went to the dealer and they quickly looked. (Luckily the cap was still there.) They said to take a little liquid detergent and water in a spray bottle, then gently clean it with a brush. I ended up using a spounge because I thought it would be softer. I used very little water because I was nervous. I notice the most loose liquid over in the left top corner. It feels like an incomplete job because I could only get the areas on top. I put a tiny amount of water down towards the grown and it created more smoke so I stopped.

I'm especially upset at myself since I literally just got a new oil filter, oil change, and new gaskets. I spent $700 and so needless to say I feel horrible.

Questions:

1) Should I take it to another dealer to have them steam clean it? The dealer I went to said to just take the soap water and do it.

2) I was looking for an engine diagram so I know which areas I should avoid with water, but can't find it. Anyone know of one?

3) A lot of people online seem to use a degreaser and then go to a car wash to spray it. But I'm afraid to use water since I don't know which areas to avoid.


I'm noticing such different advice online, everything from "it's not a big deal" to "your engine can start on fire" ---- so I'm not sure what to do. I'm so mad at myself!!! I've never done this before in my whole life.

 

This is one of the things you can do.
Go to an auto supply store and purchase 2 cans of non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner. Then when you get home , give the engine an hour to cool down, and spray the brake parts cleaner on the oily surfaces. It will dry and clean up the oil. It would be a good idea to place some cardboard or newspaper under the vehicle should you have an asphalt driveway so it doesn't drip in the driveway.
You will see instant results. Just make sure to check the oil level in the engine since you no doubt have lost some.
Follow the directions on the container and try not to breath in any of the vapors from the cleaner, that should solve the problem and leave the engine clean and dry.