Oil stain...what is it?

[Unobtanium]

I noticed an oil stain on my engine. I have, for the longest, owned GM products. They have always been dry as a bone everywhere I have ever looked regarding the engine. Even at 150K miles, everything was just dry as a bone. Same for my HEMI JEEP, actually (can't say that a bout its transmission...)

But anyways, I found me an oil smudge on the block. It's that kind where dust has stuck to it and it's kindof a thin black, dusty film. No drips or runs or anything.

It is located in the area behind all of the belts/pullies.

Is this a normal area for "run off" from slopily poured oil changes? Is something leaking? Do they "all do this" and is it just "going to be that way"?

I am not going to rush out to DO anything about it, because it's not harming function, and I have seen PLENTY of engine bays with similar, and they are just fine, it's just a departure from what I am used to. I have included also a photo.

 

[Anchorman]

I can't tell by looking at your photo but I think you might be referring to a known issue. It is covered by warranty if that still applies to you.

 

[Unobtanium]

I am out of warranty by a few thousand miles, but this issue obviously was present from the get-go. My dealer is pretty awesome, and if this is the same issue, I will see if they will fix it for me. Thank-you!

If they won't, it doesn't sound like my car will explode tomorrow, either.

 

[yrwei52]

Based on TSB provided by Anchorman, this oil seepage problem at engine front timing-chain cover can happen for many SkyActiv-G engines worldwide with production date between Dec. 15, 2011 and July 4, 2016. So I'd say it's not unusual to see small oil leak problem like yours.

CAUSE
The sealant applied to the joint (A) between the cylinder block and head may have a fine clearance which was created while pressurizing the engine inside for the leak test at the engine assembly line. Oil adhered to the timing chain room then escapes through the clearance by capillary action.

Kedis82ZE8's 2015 CX-5 had similar oil seepage issue at engine front timing-chain cover like yours. I believe he has another small oil leak issue between engine and transmission. The front of his had been fixed under warranty but the rear is still pending. You can get the oil leak problem fixed under CPO warranty if you have one.

Small Oil leak for me too... :-(

 

[Unobtanium]

Based on TSB provided by Anchorman, this oil seepage problem at engine front timing-chain cover can happen for many SkyActiv-G engines worldwide with production date between Dec. 15, 2011 and July 4, 2016. So I'd say it's not unusual to see small oil leak problem like yours.



Kedis82ZE8's 2015 CX-5 had similar oil seepage issue at engine front timing-chain cover like yours. I believe he has another small oil leak issue between engine and transmission. The front of his had been fixed under warranty but the rear is still pending. You can get the oil leak problem fixed under CPO warranty if you have one.

Small Oil leak for me too... :-(

I do not have the CPO warranty, but do have aftermarket warranty. I still think the dealership should handle this under the factory warranty, as I asked them at 58K miles to check EVERYTHING. This leak did not develop in the last 2-3k miles most likely, and I think they will agree, given the mechanism of the leak. Regardless, if they refuse, I'm not spending a dime on it. It isn't going to get worse, nor will it cause harm.

 

[Monterra]

I think as long as you're not planning on frying up some eggs for your hec on there you can safely chive on. I wouldn't bother spending my time on the inquiry much less any $ at all...

 

[Unobtanium]

I think as long as you're not planning on frying up some eggs for your hec on there you can safely chive on. I wouldn't bother spending my time on the inquiry much less any $ at all...

I asked, Mazda declined. I'm not dying on this hill. I shook the service adviser's hand, checked out the GT-R on the floor, and walked out. Cars are tools, tools get dirty, moving on.

 

[Monterra]

Nice..honestly first impression was wtf is unob talking about- looks pretty damn clean to me Life has enough problems don't look for more! jk- I get why you did..

 

[Anchorman]

Yes, I have to say that even if mine were still under warranty, I’d question whether I would want so much disturbance for what is effectively a damp stain accentuated by dust. I wouldn’t lose one minute’s sleep over it.

 

[Unobtanium]

Yes, I have to say that even if mine were still under warranty, I’d question whether I would want so much disturbance for what is effectively a damp stain accentuated by dust. I wouldn’t lose one minute’s sleep over it.

Similar, but there was a document...I asked. Moved on.

 

[123373]

So... how do you know it's not going to get worse without getting it fixed?

 

[Unobtanium]

So... how do you know it's not going to get worse without getting it fixed?

It's a documented physical feature. It won't enlarge, and the oil won't get thinner, nor will pressure in that area change.

 

[CX-5um]

Uno, try to repost the picture with arrows.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

I do not have the CPO warranty, but do have aftermarket warranty. I still think the dealership should handle this under the factory warranty, as I asked them at 58K miles to check EVERYTHING. This leak did not develop in the last 2-3k miles most likely, and I think they will agree, given the mechanism of the leak. Regardless, if they refuse, I'm not spending a dime on it. It isn't going to get worse, nor will it cause harm.

Headed to 53k miles now. I've put on 16k miles so far this year since January (was at 37k). I also plan to have everything checked before I hit 60k and the powertrain warranty is up. What did that run you to have them check everything?

 

[Unobtanium]

I just asked them to look it over well.