[Updated below, in a separate post.....]


OK, all, I was under my car today for routine inspection and a little maintenance. I noticed that the left side of the engine had a coating of oil gunked all over it. I snapped some photos--looks like it's coming from the manifold?? It spreads all the way to the mid- line of the engine, but does not cross to the right. I have had NO oil on the garage floor, no noticeable oil loss according to the on board computer. This is the first time I've noticed this, and I look under the car at least on a monthly basis...

Please help me, what am I looking at? What should I look for? What should I inspect? Is it possibly a manifold gasket? Please tell me it's not the RMS. These were the best pics I could take today, I can get more if you need different views...

 

Try to find the highest spot where you find oil. Likely coming from the top, mine was leaking on top at the back from the crankcase breather to the oil tank.

On the two halves of the crankcase there is a flat surface connection the water oil exchanger manifold 'octopus'. I resealed it and leak was fix as was the occasional puff of blue smoke on startup, usually hot start.

Not saying that where yours is leaking but I think that spot is going to cause owners grief.

 

OK, good starting point to search, thanks!

 

Find the oil at the highest point then clean everything (brake parts cleaner) and keep an eye on it to pinpoint the leak, fix it and clean it again.

 

Thanks, will do. I'll report back if I can pinpoint the source

 

It can be a mess while removing the oil filter on the last oil change??? Or the oil pressure sensor just behind the oil filter bracket can be a place where the leak come from. There is also a connection for the oil return from the turbo reservoir, rear end center of the block....

 

OK, cool, more places to inspect Thanks!

 

Well it is strange to see oil on both ends of the head. on the trans side I would look at the hydro assist slave. on the back end I would start at the turbo oil feed line where it taps off the timing chain adjuster block. also look at the oil psi sending unit and the hose that it connects to. or where the oil filter housing bolts down. there is three bolts there.

 

Thank you, I'll add those to my inspection points.

 

Today I decided to get into things to try and see where this mystery oil is coming from... I removed the rear bumper, left intercooler assembly, left tire and wheel well lining, air box, y-pipe and throttle body. Then I lowered the engine to give me the best view...

Here's what I've found so far. The pipe coming from the turbocharger into the intercooler had oil in it (see pic). Not a ton, but it was definitely present and seemed fresh-ish. Shouldn't this pipe be clean? Is it possible for the turbocharger to have an internal leak which is introducing oil into the air system?



That leads me into the second thing I found and that was gummy oil deposits in the throttle body. Again, shouldn't this be clean? It almost seems as if the deposits are gummy enough to interfere with smooth action of the throttle plate. In fact, the car occasionally stutters like it's starved for air and will sometimes stall--I wonder if this is the cause... Best way to clean??



The good news (?) is that I didn't see any leaks high up in the engine or coming off of any supply pipes. The oil pressure sending unit looks kind of dirty and may be leaking a little, so I will replace it (I have a new one on hand anyway). The side wall of the engine, plugs, O2 sensors, etc are clean of oil.



So, my plan while the car is apart is to replace the plugs and coil packs (with 997 coils), clean things up as best I can and get back on the road. I'm just shy of 60,000 miles, what other maintenance should I perform while I've got my baby torn apart?

 

Very good job g8rdmd rep+ for you, you deserve it!!! The deposit of oil in the outlet pipe of the compressor, if it is not a mpuddle of oil, can be consider normal. The throttle body is really dirty but again not dramatic....Of course a good cleaning is required!

 

Whew, that makes me feel better about the oil in the pipe--it was just a coating, no puddles leaking out. What's the best cleanser to use on the throttle body? Or will dish soap work well? Thanks

 

For cleaning the throttle body , nothing like a good throttle body cleaner from your autozone or auto part store. I've found some made by CRC. Very good stuff like the MAF cleaner from the same company...

 

Thanks