How bad is this?? *pics*

[shizznats]

I decided to clean my air filter today and my engine as well. I took a close look and found this oily buildup on the engine. Is this a sign of problems to come? or is this already a big problem? my engine doesn't seem to lose too much oil, but i only drive the car about twice a week so its hard to tell. What do u guys think about this?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC05346-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC05350-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC05347-1.jpg

[deadlydave]

my old 2.2 was slathered in crap. I don't think you have too much to worry about, just keep an eye on your fluid levels.

[d1giPhux]

I wouldnt worry about it either.. mine has buildup in that same area. Take a power washer to it.. and then see how much it builds up maybe.. but.. i doubt its a big deal!

[Reason]

Get some engine degreaser (Gunk foam works well) follow the directions and once it's clean just keep an eye on it. It doesn't look like fresh oil so it just may be a slow build up.

[Huffer]

That looks like a combo of oil vapor and dust...a fresh leak is usually more telltale in terms of drips.

This is where having a clean bay is good for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Props for the superclear pics!

[StatGSR]

i wouldnt worry about it, some cars burn oil (problem), subys leak it, minor leaking is rarly a problem for a car. esspecially when during regular oil changes the levels barly drop at all. iv seen some very dirty high milage suby motors get pulled out of a car that still kicked like a mule.

[Sarra]

You should see the engine in Loyale, COVERED in oily crap.

[Reason]

You should see the engine in Loyale, COVERED in oily crap.

I'm going to leave that one alone.

[shizznats]

all done. filter cleaned, and i used GUNK spray on the engine... twice. of course, now, after installing the filter again, i got a CEL... ???? wtf?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC05373-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC05376-1.jpg

[Reason]

run the code, it could be the knock sensor.

[Huffer]

^^ run the code.
Props for a clean bay - you don't half mess around when you cleaned it up!

[2.5GT]

this is kinda ot. but KN make intakes?

[Huffer]

this is kinda ot. but KN make intakes?

Of course they do. But are you asking if they make intakes for a BD/BK model - then I don't think they do. They do make air filters though.

[shizznats]

thanks for the replies... i ran the code at Auto Zone and it was indeed as Reason said: the knock sensor. It should go away after a few days, but im leaving the negative on my battery unplugged for the night to reset the ECU and seeing if its gone tomorrow morning. If not, ill ask Auto Zone to clear the code and see if it comes back...

[Sarra]

It is best to steam clean/wash your engine bay during the hot days of summer, so when you're done, you can let the engine dry out before starting it up again.

You can also use dish soap (like Dawn, the hand wash soap, not the stuff you put in your dishwasher).

I personally prefer to steam it, but I don't have access to a steamer anymore anyway.

Leaving the battery unplugged for the night will clear the code. If it comes back, you might have hurt something.

Oh, and be careful when cleaning to not get your alternator too wet. Lay a rag over it, or do as I did when I worked at saturn, and tie a plastic bag over it, then put a rag over the bag (keep it from blowing off if you're using a pressure steam cleaner like we had).

[Reason]

I forgot to ask, did you cover the intake? when cleaning under your hood comon sense should kick it and be careful around certain things. Lets us know how you make out.

[shizznats]

Yeah i covered the intake, the ignition wires, and the fusebox... but not the altenator. Luckily, i reconnected the battery this morning, started up the car just fine, and the CEL is gone. I only had it running for a few seconds so I hope it doesn't turn on later, but looks good so far.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/10/DSC05370-1.jpg

[Reason]

I never covered my altenator and never had any problems getting it with. I also never covered the fuse box and no problems. 6 years of washing under the hood (summer time at least once a week).

[2.5GT]

this is kinda ot. but KN make intakes?

Of course they do. But are you asking if they make intakes for a BD/BK model - then I don't think they do. They do make air filters though.

Yeah, i meant the whole intake/pipe.

where did you purchase this btw?

[shizznats]

i honestly dont remember... it was years ago. I think i had to cut the pipe some to make the sensor fit.

[2.5GT]

i honestly dont remember... it was years ago. I think i had to cut the pipe some to make the sensor fit.

I just like those 2 nipples on the side of the pipe to the valve covers. mine, i have to route one vaccum hose to 2 more, and its too many hoses running around in my engine bay. i just want something that looks clean...like yours! :eek:

[Sarra]

Covering things isn't mandatory, I pressure washed engines at Saturn a few times without covering anything and didn't have a problem. It's mostly a "Just in case" thing.