Had a rather rude surprise when I got back to my car this afternoon, to find a puddle of fluid under the car.

I opened the bonnet to find the engine bay covered with an oily liquid. Couldn't see any obvious leak, so got my partner to start the car and found a pinhole leak in a fuel pipe.

It had thoroughly soaked the engine bay with diesel, probably a couple of litres worth. I hadn't noticed anything untoward with the car handling on the drive to the car park, so it must have happened shortly before I parked up.

RAC replaced the broken pipe, and advised a steam clean of the engine bay. However, I phoned the local Skoda dealer who said that this wasn't recommened these days.

Does anyone have a solution for how I can get rid of the smell? I'm going to replace the air filter, but with everything soaked in Diesel, I'm not sure how effective this could be in the long run?

can't see a problem giving the engine bay a good steam clean, maybe use some degreaser as well, just don't power the spray into connectors or brake fluid reservoir

can't see a problem giving the engine bay a good steam clean, maybe use some degreaser as well, just don't power the spray into connectors or brake fluid reservoir

I will second that, also don't spray into ECU (near Bulkhead)

I always steam clean the engine, keeps it nice and clean

Radiotwo

I will second that, also don't spray into ECU (near Bulkhead)

I always steam clean the engine, keeps it nice and clean

Radiotwo

Also wrap the Alternator in cloth,to protect it inside ,as there are open fins on the outside for cooling.