Hi,

Well, I had a small oil leak at the oil cooler on my 240D after the rebuild, and of course I was so excited to get it running that I ran it a couple of times to work and back (enough to get through the initial break-in oil period). Had to keep adding additional break-in oil, which was leaking out and coating much of the engine (blown by the fan).

So, anyway, now I have a slightly oily but not yet too dirty OM616 engine. I'm about to mount a replacement oil cooler on the engine bay to deal with the leak, but I want to get the engine clean again, as befits its status as "like new." What's the best way to get the engine clean and dry so that dirt doesn't stick to it?

- wipe all surfaces with red shop rags over and over until dry?
- spray solvent (what type?) on engine, wipe with rags?
- spray engine cleaner on engine, let soak, rinse with water?
- take to car wash?
- all of the above?
- ?????

Thanks for your advice.

Kurt

__________________
- '79 240D - engine swap complete! Engine broken in! 28-31 mpg! Lovin' the ride!
- '86 190D (W201-126) - 2.5 NA engine, 5 speed, cloth interior, manual climate controls, 33-34 mpg (sold to forum member).