Probably should have titled this "Fire Hazard?"

My car sat for awhile as I fixed some stuff and some a/c oil spilled onto my exhaust manifolds and soaked a part of it. When I started the car up and it was warm it started smoking a little. So I waited for it to cool down them wiped it with a damp towel then poured water on them. When the water dries you can still see where the area that got oil on it is a little. Is this a fire hazard?

[This message has been edited by Redge (edited October 21, 2005).]

I would think that it would burn off the first time you get them really hot and that would be it. For a while my valve covers were leaking oil onto my headers. Every morning I would get smoke out from under the hood as they warmed up, but it would quit after about 3 minutes.

It could be that to since I had the valve covers off. Once it starts smoking I start getting worried and only let it run about a minute or so longer as the smoke gets a little worse. I'm too afraid of burning my baby.

It should cook off without any problem besides the smoke. Just be sure it isn't still leaking. A small oil leak normally won't cause a fire.

I did see a guy's engine bay catch fire after he forget to install the oil cap. It was ugly!

Ok, good. I think it's an oil leak from the valve covers. I can't see where its coming from though. The smoke starts from under the exhaust manifold and shortly after it starts up on top too. Thanks guys.

Yeah, it should cook off as the exhaust heats up. But be careful with the leak as mentioned. A/C oil, I believe, has a lower flash point than engine oil (it's lighter and less viscous), so make sure it doesn't touch a fully HOT manifold. I always hate when I have to Un-braze some A/C copper lies that have oil in them. Bon-Fire it is!