Cleaning oil leaked from my car? (Page 1/2)
Cliff Pennock JUL 20, 06:56 PM
So my car has been leaking transmission fluid and motor oil for a few years now. I've been trying to hunt down the leaks and although I've probably tracked them, I'm unable to fix the leaks myself due to me not having a garage and having to do all the work road side and the bad weather we have been having for, oh, years now.

So I decided to bite the bullet and bring the car to a garage where they can hopefully fix the leaks for me. Reason I haven't done this before is because I don't trust garages with my car (they always mess up) and only recently have I found a garage where a mechanic is working who has worked on Fieros for decades.

The spots where I usually park (in front of my house) look terrible due to all the oil the car has been leaking over the years. How can I clean this?
Patrick JUL 20, 07:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cliff Pennock:

Cleaning oil leaked from my car?



I initially misunderstood the heading of this thread. I thought you were asking if it might be "cleaning oil" that had leaked from your car. I figured it was a translation (not transmission) issue.

I'm definitely no expert on this, but I'd try something like Simple Green on the pavement oil spots.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-20-2024).]

CoolBlue87GT JUL 20, 10:00 PM
Found this on the internet, using oven cleaner....

The Home Option
After you've sopped up as much transmission fluid as possible, oven cleaner -- a common household solvent and degreaser -- is your secret weapon for treating the stain that remains. Cover the whole stain with a generous coating of the cleaner and allow it rest for about 10 minutes. Scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse it thoroughly with a hose set to high pressure -- be sure to use plenty of water in order to safely dilute the oven cleaner. Repeat as necessary until the stain disappears completely.

The Commercial Option
In addition to the home remedy, online and bricks-and-mortar automotive supply stores offer specially formulated oil stain removers for concrete, which target fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and transmission fluid. While some commercial options work much like the oven cleaner trick, requiring an application and a rinsing, others go on as a liquid and turn into powder as they absorb the stain. Once they turn into powder, simply brush the powder off and dispose of it. Though they might be more powerful than oven cleaner and more effective on longstanding stains, absorbent oil stain removers take hours to work rather than minutes. Brands vary greatly among manufacturers, so always thoroughly read and closely follow any provided instructions and warnings before application.
Mike in Sydney JUL 21, 12:36 AM
Cliff, I've found that brake cleaner is pretty effective at lifting oil from concrete. Despite its toxicity, it is an extremely effective, quick drying solvent. Depending on the manufacturer, it's also 1) pretty expensive to do a larger area, 2) not too good for the environment, and 3) highly inflammable. Use with care and a respirator. AVOID OPEN FLAMES OR OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION.

I buy mine in 20-litre containers and transfer it to a pressure sprayer that I can pump up. It's also goof for knocking the grease and oil off of brake components and cool engines. After using it on my drive, I follow up with a good scrubbing with a stiff natural fibre bristled brush and undiluted Simple Green.
theogre JUL 21, 10:42 AM
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning any public area like street in front of home or just public can see you cleaning can cause govrmnt problems. Worse if use strong solvents or other cleaners because Many places now regulate VOC & other chemicals. Either often results the police or code enforcement will be calling by the public. If using "Wrong" chemicals or too much of other chemicals can be HAZMAT problems w/ huge fines & more headaches.

Now in general... First is What type of pavement?

Asphalt & related are Oil Base & any cleaners will attach it. Oil stains/spills have already react w/ base oil is made of. About the only "help" will often fade over time for small leaks/spills.

Stone, concrete, & related can clean by Laundry soap. Liquid is easier for many but dry works too. (Many products now claim is "safer" then others for environment too. If nothing else may help if police etc want answers.) Spray w/ water, Drop some soap, use a old push broom or deck cleaner brush to stir the mix. Let it sit but do not let it dry often for several hours or a day depending how bad the spill is & pavement Temp that day. Stirring w/ your bush during soaking & rinsing helps a lot.

How much soap depends on how big etc. Often need the same or less amount to wash 1 load of clothes. Plus many are "2X Concentrated" or more so need less then most "original" formulas because Walmart et al wanted less space & weight to ship the big sizes of bottles/boxes.

Even Many Race Tracks use same way to clean the tracks.

Clay "Cat litter" helps to remove surface oil even if "dry" to you. Put some on then "grind" by feet etc & let it work. Stir it too. Then sweep it off, ideally next day or three.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 07-21-2024).]

Cliff Pennock JUL 21, 11:20 AM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

First is What type of pavement?



This is the space in front of my house:



This was actually a few years ago and it has gotten much, much worse since then. And not only this spot, but the spot on the left too (since those are the two spots I usually park in).
theogre JUL 21, 04:46 PM
Again, May not be legal to clean that because is city property. Related reasons most cities will stop you trying to save a street parking space w/ anything.
Unlike the Sidewalks in many places is "Your Problem" having dirt, snow, weeds, etc on/thru that or damage pavement or any other tripping hazard. (As many owners find out in many places now trying to charge an EV or Plugged Hybrid w/ cables across a sidewalk.)

If you do it anyway...
Clay cat litter works but need way more time to suck up the old oil & people will hate this.

Using laundry soap & minimum water because others will see you cleaning. Or city workers or cops just driving by...
Clean when pavement is warm so oil can quickly mix w/ soap.
Use wet vac or old towels/rags to suck up most of the dirty water.

Very likely you won't get hours for the soap to work the best.
A deck brush w/ long handle use sim to push broom puts more pressure on the brush may help work faster.


Any strong chemicals like carb or brake cleaner can be very bad news during or later if cops etc want answers.
Even then if water for this goes down a storm drain near by not show in pic above can get you a ticket etc.

I'm surprise that someone hasn't called the city to complain about leaking old car spotting up several spaces now. Maybe have but didn't get time to check yet.
Ignoring NYC, philly, etc that often never bother except maybe election years many other places in the US & more Will Tow a leaking car & often in minutes after complaint is calls in for safety & pollution problems. Other places slap a sticker to warn then tow 24hrs later. Or may just be where or how bad the problem vehicle is that the city etc could use either method.
Patrick JUL 21, 05:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cliff Pennock:

This is the space in front of my house:



Cliff, if you can just relocate that shadow a bit, the oil spots wouldn't be as noticeable.

hyperv6 JUL 22, 08:40 AM
Start simple. Not sure what they have there. Dawn dish washing liquid and a scrub brush works well.

Enviro nuts use it to degrees ducks. So if it is safe for ducks it is safe for streets. I use it to clean mower carbs.

If that fails a pressure washer or steam cleaner.

To be honest once it is fixed it will fade away with time too.

Look if you can get spray Dawn it is the best.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 07-22-2024).]

Mickey_Moose JUL 22, 12:15 PM
https://www.resiblock.com/p...siblock-oil-remover/