Recently purchased a 3rd generation 4runner. The valve cover gasket used to leak oil in a previous life and now there is old stuck-on oil all over the engine and down on the exhaust pipes and manifold, which burns off when driving for a while and smells horrible. Where I live I dont really have access to water for rinsing off engine degreaser or similar products.
Brake cleaner.
Be careful around plastics though.
I'll try brake cleaner. Does it have to be wiped away or can I get away with letting it evaporate?
You’ll remove more grime if you wipe it
Is the non-flammable CRC BrakeClean OK to use on plastics?
Walmart sells water-based Pro-Strength Engine Degreaser from CRC. The stuff is potent enough to take carbon buildup off of piston heads but doesn't harm your hands. I used it to clean up a piston I found in the junkyard so I could get it plated.
A simple wipe down with a wet rag after letting it soak will be fine.
