I'm putting this beautiful southern pre-Spring day to good use! (working on my beloved orange HHR)

I noticed my HHR's oil pressure switch is leaking badly, so of course oil and dirt has made quite a mess of the general area. The switch replacement is easy, and parts are on the way. But my concern is for the starter which is directly under it and is dripping oil. So far, I've had no issues. Is there a way to clean the starter when I take it off to more easily access the switch? Or, should I just go ahead and replace the starter? (I'm between jobs at the moment so would rather NOT spend money if I can avoid it, but I do have it if the general consensus is I should replace it or else.)

Thanks!

 

You could just give the starter a spritz of brake parts cleaner or GPC . Just wipe the drips off with a paper towel or a rag.

 

I agree with Oldblue..
BrakeKleen and a rag.

 

Thank you, very much appreciated!

 

One warning:

Keep brake cleaner away from plastic parts of the starter. It will soften many plastics.

Hold the starter so the metal part is facing down and the end with the wire connections (which has the plastics) facing up. Spray the sides and bottom end of the starter without spraying the plastic end. That way the cleaner runs down the starter and off the end without soaking the plastic parts.

Steve

 

Don't spray it with anything. Drive it.

 

I would use your favorite color spray cleaner, purple, orange, etc. Leave it on the engine rinse with the garden hose. Same way I would clean the entire engine compartment.
If they were worried about water they would put the radiator somewhere else and seal the compartment.