Deformed VVT-I Oil Control Valve Caused Oil Leak
 

So I was doing an underhood inspection of my car and I noticed this weird stain on my engine.

Is this an oil leak or like some sort of external thing? What IS that sensor/silver thing pictured? This is on passenger side of the engine near the coolant reservoir. Currently at 28,300 miles.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...24120528_o.jpg

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...51&oe=57A7318B

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https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ba&oe=57BA2584


UPDATE: Oil leak is due to VVTi Oil Control Valve deformation.

it's not a bad leak, if at all, if it was leaking it would be all overt he place. Wash it off then see if it does the same thing.
I wouldn't worry about too much. Unless there pools of oil on the ground then you worry.

I'm guessing it's one of the cam sensor thingies........:iono:

Yep, it does look like it has seeped a bit, or something splattered on it.

Like Mr.ac suggested, I'd just spray a cleaner on it, and blow dry it dry. Then check back in a few days to see if it returns.

I checked mine and it is clean (after 14,000 miles).


humfrz

What cleaner would be safe to be used on that spot? I think that's a cam sensor there.

I would think any electrical contact cleaner, found at most auto parts stores, would do.

I'd probably cheap out and go with isopropyl alcohol and a small paint brush, then dry it off with a hair dryer.

Back in the day ...... we would have just spit/sprayed a mouthful of "shine" on it ............. and dried it off with a bellows.

Then took a couple swigs out of the jug and leaned back and relaxed, while the thing dried...........:D


humfrz

Brake parts cleaner. Just about any brand will do. Dries (evaporates) fast, little residue. Available in any store which sells auto related stuff.

Far as my experience won't hurt plastic, metal, could damage paint as some do contain acetone. It's what mechanics usually use to clean oil spills.

Want more ?

Chlorinated Brake Cleaner>> (Works best..dries fastest, leaves no residue)

Chlorinated brake cleaner is nonflammable; however, it is harsh on your skin and is known to be a possible carcinogen. It is made of two components:

Tetrachloroethylene
This solvent -- also known as perchloroethylene -- is the primary ingredient in this kind of brake cleaner. It is used to remove materials from metal that are not water-soluble. This includes grease, oil, brake fluid and brake dust.

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide is used as a propellant in the aerosol format of brake cleaners.

Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner>>

Comprised of different chemicals than chlorinated brake cleaner, this version is >extremely flammable< but is less harsh on your skin. It contains:

Heptane
This chemical distilled from oil is used primarily as a solvent to clean contaminants from metal parts and is not water-soluble. It is safe for use on ABS brakes, as well as disc and drum brakes.

Acetone
This solvent is used to clean contaminants from parts. It is particularly useful in removing water-based contaminants, as it absorbs water.

Carbon Dioxide
This gas is used as the propellant in non-chlorinated brake cleaner.

Warning>>>>

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is flammable. Use it in a well-ventilated area away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Do not smoke around brake cleaner.

So I took it to the dealer today and they fixed the leak.

It was caused by a deformed VVT-I Oil Control Vavle.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...eb&oe=57ABBD0B

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...63009099_o.jpg

Guest states that one of the wires that was being held by a "suction cup" came undone??

It's that free hanging wire...looks like a suction cup to me? :lol: