Was topping off some fluids and cleaning the car and saw some leak on top of engine. should this be concerning?

 

Minor seepage which can be fixed with gasket/seal replacement of the sensor in the middle of your circle.

I would not rush out to get it done but should be addressed.

Salim

 

That's the exhaust solenoid correct? You think replacing the gasket is enough? Or should I replace the unit as a whole, it has about 130,000 miles at the moment.

 

It is most likely an O ring on the VVTi solenoid. Check if the dealership offers the Oring. In theory you can replace with generic Oring,

A new solenoid will come with one. Would I spend the money to buy a new solenoid? No, I would live with the seepage and if and when it becomes bad [leak] would I replace it.

The other issue is in first gen, the vvii for some were stubborn and had to be destroyed. It is matter of luck.


Salim
PS: If you do go the replacement way, make sure you keep track of which bank the VVTI belongs to.

 

That engine bay desperately needs to be cleaned all that gunk and salt shortens the life of everything. And it will be far easier to find the leak source.

 

whats the best way to clean the engine bay ?

 

whats the purpose of keeping track of which bank ?

 

Purpose and action is the same but bolt down structure is different.

Salim

 

I use dish soap, or whatever mild soap I have on hand. Engine must be cool, cover the brake master cylinder and don't use high pressure.

 

Have reasonable expectations. The grease/dirt/grime can be cleaned off [proper steam cleaning can help] ... BUT ... once the Aluminum has reacted with air and heat, you will not get the shiny new. It will always be uneven dull pitting with powdery white returning.


Salim

 

And do not soak these engine bays with a garden hose and Engine Brite spray like we did way back before vehicles essentially became rolling computers. I can use a garden hose and Engine Brite in the engine bay of my 1999 Ram all day long without doing any damage, but our three much newer vehicles will never see an engine bay hose job for as long as we own them. It is just too risky with all of the electronics involved.