Hey Guys:

'Recently purchased a '95 854 with 64k miles (actual). Routine maintenance has been performed by the original (local) owner's dealer as scheduled EXCEPT that the oil cap gasket was apparently never renewed until done by me this morning, along with a preemptive belt, water pump, tensioner and front seal change; the replaced parts were in relatively good shape, but I prefer not to take chances.

Because of the loose cap seal, there is a brownish 'varnish' coating on all unpainted surfaces adjacent to the cap. Perhaps trivial to most, but I like to keep my engine's exterior clean for a variety of reasons, and have had no luck removing the brown 'varnish' coating from the aluminum brightwork in the engine bay with 'traditional' degreasers, engine cleaners, and even paint thinner.

Does anyone have a solution for this short of abrasives?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

PS: This is my first FWD, despite 30 years and a progression of fourteen 122's, 240's and 740's. I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous about entering 'the dark side', though traditionalists may relax, as we still have 4 240's in our garage and driveway.