Hey Guys:

'Recently purchased a '95 854 with 64k miles (actual). Routine maintenance has been performed by the original (local) owner's dealer as scheduled EXCEPT that the oil cap gasket was apparently never renewed until done by me this morning, along with a preemptive belt, water pump, tensioner and front seal change; the replaced parts were in relatively good shape, but I prefer not to take chances.

Because of the loose cap seal, there is a brownish 'varnish' coating on all unpainted surfaces adjacent to the cap. Perhaps trivial to most, but I like to keep my engine's exterior clean for a variety of reasons, and have had no luck removing the brown 'varnish' coating from the aluminum brightwork in the engine bay with 'traditional' degreasers, engine cleaners, and even paint thinner.

Does anyone have a solution for this short of abrasives?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

PS: This is my first FWD, despite 30 years and a progression of fourteen 122's, 240's and 740's. I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous about entering 'the dark side', though traditionalists may relax, as we still have 4 240's in our garage and driveway.

'Took a bit of a risk, but tried something I've used on filthy alloy wheels in the past...OVEN CLEANER.

Warmed engine for ~20 mins, donned vinyl gloves (stuff is caustic!), then applied a light stream of oven cleaner directly onto the metal parts which had the dried oil coating...agitated lightly with an old paint brush...then let it sit for about a half hour.

Rinsed with water in a gallon jug and brushed off using the same paint brush...the ugly stuff sort of rolled up like rubber cement, leaving a clean surface. Later, I was even able to sweep up all the little dried bits which fell to the ground.

Maybe a tad anal, but now I'll be able to quickly assess engine and hose condition, and spot any leaks which develop.

I hope you didn't get any water down your plug wells. -will cause a Check Engine Light and fouled plugs. It's worth a check even if you think you're safe to remove the cover and pull the wires (keeping track of order of course) Don't drive it til you check. The top of the engine seems to funnel anything toward the plug wells -very common problem with engine cleaning especially the first time (how would I know?:)
Very good solution with the oven cleaner I hope every bit of it has been rinsed off. I like the old sock 'mitten' cleaning rag method.
Have fun,
--
'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's

Yikes!

I did 'mop up' the errant rinse water with a shop rag, but didn't realize the possible negative ramifications. Thanks.

...I guess owning a FWD is like learning about Volvos all over again. Thank goodnes for the BB.

Steam cleaning can work. I cheated when I bought my 1995 854 a long time ago, I brought it over to a detail shop and had them clean the engine bay. I specifically pointed out the brown "varnish" on the top of the head and the injector rail. No problem. It did cost me though :)

The aluminum cover over the fuel rail pulls right off, just pull forward on it. It snaps back into place after you clean out the dirt in the small connecting track. Get a piece of cheap vacuum tubing to replace the injector wiring covering which will crumble if you touch it.

Klaus
--
Volvoless. Its been 90 days. BUT I am getting a 1966 122 soon.

I hadn't thought about that...thanks Klaus.

'Wouldn't mind 'paying' to have it done once.

I hadn't thought about that...thanks Klaus.

'Wouldn't mind 'paying' to have it done once.

The real reason I paid to have it done - I didn't want all of the oil/grease all over my garage floor or new driveway.

Klaus
--
Volvoless. Its been 90 days. BUT I am getting a 1966 122 soon.