Alphaman19

I try to keep my engine bay as clean as possible but I can't seem to get rid of this "dusty oil" on the cam cover?

Does it mean the seal or gasket needs replacing or something like that?
It doesn't seem to cause any issues except visually.
I guess simply "not looking" at it is the easiest fix (lol)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125025...8/14371788960/

aneidiaz

Try getting a few cans of Carburation Cleaner and spraying everything down until there's NO residue left. Be careful to hit any sensors with too much spray. A little should not do damage. Take pictures. Record data. And then that'll help you diagnose exactly WHERE the leak is coming from. You have time still to fix the problem ahead of time if the car is not acting up. Better be safe then sorry. Figure out what's really going on with that and then get the $$$ for repairs then your doing it a safe organized manner. Good luck with that bro! Hope it clears up and stays clear.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Leaking valve cover gasket would be my guess.

FrankT

Are you saying you just cleaned your motor and after a little while it looks like the picture?
It looks like a typical dirty motor, years of road grime to me.

DosyBoy

iTrader: (1)

I've never had that on my car, def not normal road grime, that's oil...

aneidiaz

bingo!!!! ☺☺☺

Alphaman19

Well, I did replace the driver side valve cover gasket last summer. I typically don't power wash the motor and could swear I at least wiped that area down.
If it is a leak it's a small/slow (can't spell nusance - lol) one at least.
I think i'll take the suggestion and just clean it really good and then just keep an eye on it for clues.

FrankT

It is most likely oil that attracted all that dirt but it's been a while since fresh oil has been in that spot.
I would question if you have a undercarriage engine cover installed.

I would use dawn soap in a pail of water, small hand brush and towel dry in that area...

aneidiaz

Yeah bro just clean it up and see if there's anymore residue afterwards. Take pics like I said to keep data recorded. Always a must.

GSGenesis

Yep mine looked like that before I changed my valve cover gaskets, cam seals, crank seal, and VVTI pulley's seal as well. I cleaned the hell out of the motors face before placing anything back on obviously, and now, it still looks pretty much the same as when I finished the timing belt and all the fun stuff inbetween job.... Just think about it, does your motor sweat or something for all that dust to stick to in a muddy fashion? No..... Something's leaking, and my best bet would be valve cover gaskets with your cam seals and probably your VVTI pulley as well, but you will be able to tell once you strip her down if in fact the seals aren't leaking or if the VVTI isn't leaking.. You catch my drift...