Why does the underside of the 996 boxer engine's look like this?



Is it oil or something? I'm really curious since I've been seeing a lot of underside engine pics and every one's like this!

BTW, sorry for using your pics Neil. Thanks anyway.

Thanks guys!

 

Cosmoline from the factory.

 

Sorry for being ignorant Luis but what's cosmoline? I've seen one thread where a 6speed member cleaned it.

 

Oh, no problem... It is a sticky substance that they spray on the engine (and on suspension/rear wheel wells on 944's back in the 80's) to protect it from nature's best. It was a pain removing it from the wheel wells of my old 944's but I always did it to all of them. I saw the same thread, it sure looked good.
Later,
Luis

 

so, why remove them if their purpose is to protect the engine?

i thought it was oil/dirt.. lol!

 

I think its primary purpose was to protect certain metal parts from corrosion (from salt etc). If you live somewhere where your car will not be exposed to that kind of weather or if you baby/store it I beleive you can remove it with no problems. For "full concourse" cars, it could be a couple of extra points in the "clean engine dept". It is not a fun project.

 

The manufacturers like to goop it on to protect the vehicle during transport from Europe to the US too in case some saltwater spray gets splashed on it. Or while it sits at the docks, etc.

 

except on my TT that crap was on my rear wheel insides too!! someone was trigger happy while spraying i guess