The good news is we got the rebuilt engine running today, it looks great and runs even better (I'll post pics when I get a chance). Now for the bad news... I replaced the oil gauge line with one from the auto parts store, Sunpro brand. The ferrel that goes into the fitting on the back of the gauge was shaped different, but I thought it would work. Guess what, I was wrong! It leaked probably at least half a quart onto the driver's side carpet before we noticed. The fitting on the back of the gauge is trashed ($42 shipped overnight). Several questions, 1) Any way to get the oil out of the carpet? It's original and in mint condition (and it's green). I'll probably have to take the carpet out, is the front 1 piece or 2? Do I have to remove the console? (please say no, still going through post traumatic stress disorder after replacing the heater controls.
As usual, thanks for any help,
Matt

Sorry to hear about your mishap, I can somewhat relate as my heater core leaked antifreeze last year all over my passenger carpet. The good news is the carpet is 2 piece and you shouldn't have to remove the console. You will have to remove the seat, door sill and kick panel on that side. There might also be some rubber grommets holding the top of the carpet underneath the pedals. Also, if you have seat belts, the one next to the console has to come out. You should be able to then pull the carpet down and slide it out from the shift console and hopefully the brake/armrest. As for the oil removal, I'm not sure what would be best. I would not scrub the carpet as it will break down the fibers and get that mohair look. Good luck...

Thanks for the advice Bill, I'll give it a try. A friens of mine took his carpet out and washed it at a carwash. I was very skeptical, but surprisingly, it turned out like new. I think I will take it out, but a whole bunch of fast orange on the area and then wash it out at the car wash. If all else fails, new carpet.

Thanks Again,
Matt

There are actually enzime products available that will eat oil. They are live enzimes and feed on the oil. They really clean it up. They even take the stains out of concrete. I used to get it at Wyan's Auto Parts in Tallmadge OH. I don't know if they still have it, or what it was called.

We have actually called in carpet cleaning companies to come to our facility and steam clean carpets in some of our company cars. The come out looking brand new. Stanley steamer comes to mind. The pretreat the stains before cleaning the entire carpet. Call some of them that have the mobile units.

The orange cleaner products work well and they are not harsh. Benzoil (sp) will work but that that is harsh like paint thinner. It is found in the paint thinner section section of hardware stores.Good luck and let us know what works best when you do get it out.

Try Dawn dishsoap on this before you go through to much trouble. You can put this on and let it sit for a little while. Then come back and use a real lightbristle brush to "massage" out the stain with water. It may take a couple of times before it lifts the stain depending on how deeply the oil seated into the fibre.