Hi,
Last night (as I was climbing a hill) the warning indicator for oil pressure came on in my car (A 91 V.W. Jetta).
Pulling over, I decided to add a little oil to see if that would solve the problem.
It was windy, dark, and hard to see. I had one of those 5 quart bottles of oil which are just about impossible to pour without using a funnel (which I didn't have with me.) As you can guess, I spilled oil which apparently found it's way to the manifold and ignited almost instantly.
I ran and got my fire extinguisher and put out the fire but (unfortunately) I didn't have the foresight to put the oil cap back on first.
Some of the fire extinguishing agent (Baking Soda) blew down into the valve cover which, fortunately, has a cover over the valves. I was able to wipe most of the baking soda out with Kleenex tissues, but some remained. I then drove back home which was approximately five miles away.
I plan to change the oil again, but I wonder if there is anything that I should do before I do so?
I also wonder:
1.) Would the screen in the oil pan catch baking soda? (Should I clean it first?)
2.) Would the baking soda just break down and dissolve in the motor oil?
3.) Would the Oil Filter be able to catch the baking soda particles?
I'm sort of concerned because I know that Baking Soda is fairly abrasive...
It's used in toothpaste for this reason, as well as in abrasive blasters to clean parts, etc...
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.