After reading the article on how to bleed/flush your clutch fluid I went out to get clear tubing and some DOT3 brake fluid.

While I was trying to open the bleeder I accidentally spilled some brake fluid onto the engine and headers and some other parts.

Is this going to cause any damage to my engine or any parts that I spilled brake fluid on? I tried cleaning it with a rag and took of the heat shield and tried to wipe it down.

Whats a good way to clean the brake fluid or is it going to be fine like that?

 

I'd use brake cleaner and/or a good degreaser to remove the fluid as soon as possible.

 

Not on paint
Both brake cleaner and brake
fluid eat paint

 

It shouldnt be too big of a deal if you just got it around the block and header. If you got it on your paint you better clean it asap.

 

I don't got it on the paint. Just got it on the stock headers and whatevers underneath and some around the block. Doesn't look like I got it on any belts either.

 

Rinse with water.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dogginator &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Rinse with water.</TD></TR></TABLE>

lol but brake fluid is oil based.

Just get some engine degreaser. I use black magic...because it cleans as it shines. I sound like a commercial.

Available only at your local autozone lol.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B serious &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

lol but brake fluid is oil based.</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_3

Are you seeking a chemistry lesson? Brake fluid is quite hygroscopic. Water will rinse it away without risking the paint.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dogginator &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_3

Are you seeking a chemistry lesson? Brake fluid is quite hygroscopic. Water will rinse it away without risking the paint.</TD></TR></TABLE>

^ tr00f

that's why people always look for high wet boiling points for brake fluid...it absorbs moisture in the air enough so that its boiling temperature lowers noticeably.

try cleaning it off with some water first and if there's still residue left, then go for engine degreaser.

also check to make sure it didn't get on any non-metal gaskets...it can wear away at them over time

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dogginator &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_3

Are you seeking a chemistry lesson? Brake fluid is quite hygroscopic. Water will rinse it away without risking the paint.</TD></TR></TABLE>

fair enough

 

thanks. how do I clean the brake fluid on my drive way? can't wash it with water can i ?


Modified by matryx at 2:51 PM 10/5/2007

 

water will not rid of it all like other indicated , use that junk spray and wash it off cuz brake fuild will take your paint off quick

 

long as it didnt get on paint, you are fine. and you can just pray some brake cleaner.

 

dont get brake cleaner etc on paint it will take some of it off like clear coat or wax, brake cleaner, carb cleaner etc is no good to spray on paint