Oil Buildup on the Front of Engine?

C

Cyph3r

Member
Hey all,

So after trying to pin down a rattling sound at 3k RPM (resonance from the downpipe - it's vibrating and hitting something not sure what) I noticed that the front of the engine had quite a thick buildup of oil. The car by no means drinks oil, and it's still reporting to be two clicks down from max and "OK" according to the computer.

But I'm curious as to why there was such a build up of oil there?

Here's a photo:

Cwa84Pg.jpg

That's after I wiped away a lot of it. Is this normal? Is something leaking? I can't really seem to pin down where its coming from either. Help!
 
Since you part cleaned it's impossible to be sure. I'd degrease fully and watch it daily to see if and where it gets oily again.
 
cj10jeeper said:
Since you part cleaned it's impossible to be sure. I'd degrease fully and watch it daily to see if and where it gets oily again.
Click to expand...

It was a pretty even coating before I wiped anything, I hoped that if I started to wipe away I could see something obvious but nope!

What are the two things plugged into the front? Sensors?
 
Cyph3r said:
cj10jeeper said:
Since you part cleaned it's impossible to be sure. I'd degrease fully and watch it daily to see if and where it gets oily again.
Click to expand...

It was a pretty even coating before I wiped anything, I hoped that if I started to wipe away I could see something obvious but nope!

What are the two things plugged into the front? Sensors?
Click to expand...

Oil is amazing at spreading to an even coat over a wide area.
I'll leave N52 engine guys to comment on the connectors.
 
cj10jeeper said:
Cyph3r said:
cj10jeeper said:
Since you part cleaned it's impossible to be sure. I'd degrease fully and watch it daily to see if and where it gets oily again.
Click to expand...

It was a pretty even coating before I wiped anything, I hoped that if I started to wipe away I could see something obvious but nope!

What are the two things plugged into the front? Sensors?
Click to expand...

Oil is amazing at spreading to an even coat over a wide area.
I'll leave N52 engine guys to comment on the connectors.
Click to expand...

Good point, I'll have to clean it entirely as you said then to see if I can spot the source!

I should've clarified though I only have a lowly N46!
 
looks like a 2.0 to me. If it is that particular engine is known to have a few common faults including the rocker cover leaking. That would be my bet, especially as you said everything has a fairly even coating. But as others have said monitor it for a few days.
 
Scooba_Steve said:
Sure it's not from the solenoids there?
Click to expand...

Just did some Googling and had another look on the engine and I think you may be right... Apparently they have o-rings on them, I assume one (or both) of mine have worn out?

Is it a simple DIY job to replace the o-rings on them? Even if it's not the source, changing them wouldn't harm surely?
 
If it is them then it should be part number 11367548459 (x2) - one bolt holds each solenoid in. Should only be a couple of quid each and it's worth a try. Do check the part number with your VIN in RealOEM or a dealer.
 
Looks like a very simple job, I'll confirm part numbers with the dealer tomorrow and pick them up so I can swap them out! Thanks Scooba_Steve super helpful!!

Question, would aftermarket seals be better? Or should I still to OEM?
 
Scooba_Steve said:
If it is the seals then they've been alright for 10ish years...?
Click to expand...

No idea when (or even if) they were last changed! Not in my time owning the car atleast, so I guess OEM it is then huh? :lol:
 
Just contacted the dealership, each solenoid has 2 o-rings. They hold them in stock and it was £8 for the 4. Can't really complain!

I'll keep this thread updated if it was the source, but I'm 99% sure it is! Thanks again Scooba_Steve.
 
Took the solenoids out, they were definitely the source, there was a tonne of oil gunk underneath them that I couldn't see until I took them out.

The seals in there weren't brittle, but definitely a lot stiffer than the new ones I put in. All back together no issues, took about 20 minutes!
 
Result :thumbsup:
Keep an eye on it for a few day to see if anything emerges, before it spreads and obscures the source. Hopefully stays bone dry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom