Is this normal?

[PatrickG]

I was about to do my 30k service and noticed this residue. Anyone know what this is from?

2003 2.7

[PatrickG]

Too easy I guess... :D

[Rom]

At a guess I'd say it was oil... If it were water or fuel it would have evaporated long ago. Being on top of the engine is a little weird though - however it could have been there for a long time so someone might have spilt oil in the past? You could try removing the intake from the throttle body and checking if there is oil inside the pipes - could indicate a bad oil seperator?

Thanks!

Shash

[sboost]

I've got a 2000 Boxster 2.7 (65,000 km) which I purchased only about 6 weeks ago.

When I looked at the engine for the first time I noticed exactly the same thing, although my stain appears a little smaller.

I have no idea either where it might come from (appears to be oil?)

Seems to be ecsaping from a joint in the intake crossover.

I have an appointment at the dealer next week for some other items but will be sure to ask about it.

[kabel]

I've had my 99 2.5L a few months now. Finally had some time to lift the engine cover and what do you know? A similar stain!

[Rom]

Thinking about it, I think mine had the same stain too... I didn't think too much about it though. I'll confirm when I next open the engine compartment.

Thanks!

Shash

[PatrickG]

Thanks for the input. :thumbup: It is oil for sure...I wiped a spot of it and it for sure is. I think I may remove the clamps and slide off the intake tube to see what the inside looks like.

[kabel]

... when did the oil separator style change? I was looking through a couple threads about replacing these and notice that the separator on mine looks like what I believe to be the newer style (more lollipop looking).

[986Jim]

The PCV and oil seperator do a good job stoping oil entering the cylinders but it's not perfect. Over time oil will enter the combustion chamber through the throttle body.

Oil will penetrate even the smallest area and when it is traveling through there some will almost always leak out through any hole it can find. Thats why it's around the connections of your intake manifold. If the manifold was one piece and aluminum it would show or even happen. Because there is 3-4 connections in the manifold in total, any oil traveling through there will eventually leak outside and stain the manifold.

It's no big deal, some cleaner and a rag will clean it up, however you rarely look at your engine anyway so who cares really.

[sboost]

I've got a 2000 Boxster 2.7 (65,000 km) which I purchased only about 6 weeks ago.

When I looked at the engine for the first time I noticed exactly the same thing, although my stain appears a little smaller.

I have no idea either where it might come from (appears to be oil?)

Seems to be ecsaping from a joint in the intake crossover.

I have an appointment at the dealer next week for some other items but will be sure to ask about it.

Was at the the local dealer this morning and pointed out the stain. All the mechanic did was tighten the clamps.

OK, but WHY is there oil there??

He couldn't give me an answer and when I mentioned the oil seperator he just shrugged me off.

BTW, they also found another RMS or intermetiate seal leak (wont know which until splitting the engine and tranny). This will be the second RMS leak on the car. Also found oil leaking from the filler neck and the right side cam cover (which they claim is only the bolt seal)

[Tool Pants]

... when did the oil separator style change? I was looking through a couple threads about replacing these and notice that the separator on mine looks like what I believe to be the newer style (more lollipop looking).

From the cars I have seen I think 1999 was the first year for the vertical style oil separator.

[kabel]

Thanks for the info TP, There goes the easy way of telling whether or not my oil sep had been replaced already or not ^_^

[PatrickG]

I sent my picture to the local dealer yesterday and they sent me a very nice, helpful reply. Basically what sboost said his Tech did.

Hello Patrick,

I shared the photo and your expressed concerns with our technicians. It is not uncommon for oil residue to be present in the areas shown. Tightening the clamps on the hoses shown may minimize the active presence. According to our technicians it is nothing to be alarmed about. I do recommend to continue to monitor and cleaning the surface area may provide you with a better gauge of the frequency of accumulating debris. This is fairly common and characteristic of the engine design. I hope this has provided you with some peace of mind.

It doesn't sound like much to worry about...