I did something dumb

[Sticks702]

Did an oil change on my 22 Gladiator 3.6l today. I fired it up after and everything was fine, no leaks at the filter or drain plug. We were heading out this eve, and as soon as we started up a small hill @ 5 miles from home it started smoking bad. I pulled over and checked. Apparently I ended up getting the o-ring too deep on the filer cap preventing it from cinching down enough and managed to spray about 2 quarts of oil all over the place. Thankfully we caught it as soon as it started smoking. Fortunately I didn’t run it dry. Pressures and everything remained fine and there were no noises or anything bad coming from the engine. After we got it topped off (using the pour and measure method on the dipstick) we brought it home. On the way the check engine light came on with a P0137 code for an 02 sensor. It looks like the sensor and connector on the passenger side cat got soaked with oil. I am guessing the oil on the sensor and connector is messing with the connection causing the code? Opinions? Question 2, how the heck do I clean up the mess in the engine bay?

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[DFWJTR]

Sensors being wet with oil could definitely cause codes to come up. Not so much with water, because there are seals at connections. With hot oil, being viscous, it can work its way into those connections down there. You can unplug that sensor, try CRC wire dryer on it, and reconnect when there are no signs of oil.

As far as cleaning the mess, if you have a pressure washer, you can use a 40 degree nozzle and just avoid spraying into the alternator, computer, or fuse areas. You can also cover up these areas with a plastic bag. Use an engine degreaser or general auto cleaner from a spray bottle. An alkaline wheel cleaner would work. Make sure the engine is cold. You can agitate large areas with a detailing brush once sprayed with the cleanser. Use old microfiber towels on underside of hood and upper fender/grill areas. You shouldn’t have any issues getting it all cleaned up. Just don’t soak things at a close distance with high pressure. I’ve cleaned a lot of engine bays taking proper precautions mentioned, and have never had one issue. Even on a WJ that had questionable wiring at best.

I hope this info helps. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

 

[Sweetums]

Start with a general engine bay cleaner. I'd unplug the offending sensor and gently clean the contacts an o-ring with cotton swabs and a bit of kerosene.

Kerosene is what I've used to clean motorcycle chains for years because it's an effective solvent for oil and grease without damaging paint, plastic, or o-ring seals.

Whatever you do do not use a pressure washer high-pressure spray, just use the foam cannon for the engine bay cleaner if that's the route you take. High pressure will force water and crus thought plug seals and into the alternator, causing more problems than it solves.

 

[jac04]

This is the stuff that you want to use to clean the connector. Spray thoroughly before unplugging it, then unplug and spray both sides until clean. Let it dry (it dries quick) before plugging back together.

 

[Charles 236]

As noted above, DO NOT use a pressure washer, it can force moisture into the connections. You can try to clean the connectors, but it is not likely that the connection is the problem. The odds are high that the O2 sensor that has oil coating it will need to be replaced.

 

[DFWJTR]

I understand the concerns above and just to touch on not using a pressure washer… Do not use a pressure washer improperly. As in do NOT spray it in close proximity to connections and sensitive areas. You want to hold it further away in any case when using water. These engine bays are subject to fording water several feet deep. You can use a pressure washer with proper precautions and never have a single issue with getting water into the connections. It is about risk mitigation. Ask any reputable detailer what they do in this case. You can absolutely do it all by hand with towels if you have concerns. There are several methods. A garden hose with a spray nozzle using “shower” would be safer, sure. I was just giving input on what has worked for me without issues and was in no way trying to misinform.

 

[Sticks702]

***BACK TO NORMAL***
I had a detailer come and clean up the engine bay. The PCM had an aneurysm (LOL) due to the 02 sensor issue. I replaced the downstream 02 sensor, which is what the code was for, and everything is now back to normal. There is still oil dripping from crevices that I didn't know existed, and I really need to pull the skid plates off and get them cleaned off, but everything is back to normal. On another note, the Autel MK808BT scanner is friggen amazing! I borrowed a friend's to diagnose the codes; now I must have one. The information that it gives you about what is going on with your powertrain and overall electrical system is almost overwhelming!

 

[Blade1668]

***BACK TO NORMAL***
I had a detailer come and clean up the engine bay. The PCM had an aneurysm (LOL) due to the 02 sensor issue. I replaced the downstream 02 sensor, which is what the code was for, and everything is now back to normal. There is still oil dripping from crevices that I didn't know existed, and I really need to pull the skid plates off and get them cleaned off, but everything is back to normal. On another note, the Autel MK808BT scanner is friggen amazing! I borrowed a friend's to diagnose the codes; now I must have one. The information that it gives you about what is going on with your powertrain and overall electrical system is almost overwhelming!

Well that's a interesting option for rust protection.
Good to read it wasn't too bad.

 

[Sticks702]

Well that's a interesting option for rust protection.
Good to read it wasn't too bad.

Yep she’s lubed for life LOL. On a side note, I sat the O2 sensor on my workbench and forgot about it until this past weekend doing cleanup. There was a little puddle of oil under it that seeped out from the plug end.

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