cleaning scortched oil

so, ever since i bought my bike from my friend there has been a slow oil seeping around the cylinder head cover. yes, i know i need to redo the seals for it, just havent had the money to do it yet, and a slow leak is not bothering me that much, but over time, regardless of how much you clean, it ends up getting burned to the engine. i know of a few ways to clean, but carb cleaner and pressure wash just is NOT getting it as much as i would like. i know diesel works, but that ends up melting any rubber and plastic that it comes in contact with if not washed off.

so besides a wire brush, what is something else i can use to clean this scorched on oil off my engine?

 

Easy-Off oven cleaner

 

best way to use it? engine hot...engine cold..and does it have any effects on paint, wires, rubber, plastic or metal?

 

DO NOT PRESSURE WASH AN ENGINE! You can blow through the engine gaskets!

By cylinder head cover, do you mean valve cover? Leaking there is a common problem, you need a new gasket and new donuts. And you need to check your valve clearances every 5000 miles, so you'll be in there sooner or later (soon if you've never done it before).

I wouldn't bother cleaning it until you fix the leak. I know it wasn't worth it for me until I did. To clean, I'd use a degreaser like simple green on a hot engine. Just know that if you leave it on too long, it will discolor aluminum. So spray is on liberally, then rinse it off after 15 minutes. Repeat until it's clean. A little scrubbing doesn't hurt.

 

Other options - engine degreaser - Simple Green - Ajax and a tooth brush - gasoline and a small rag.

Temporarily, if you know EXACTLY where your leak is, you can smear clear silicone on the spot once it's clean and dry - - until you can fix it right.