Oil On One Of The Intake Tubes

[sac2dude]

All,

Popped the cover off the engine of the wife's Boxster for the first time (after watching Mike do it at Loren's house, it was easy!)

Standard, dusty engine. Looked as expected. Air filter was fairly clean. However, I don't know this engine and I was wondering (a) why there are two tubes between the intake runners across the top of the engine, and (B) why one of them is coated with oil. I took some pictures, let me see if I can figure out how to attach 'em...

I just want to know if this is a normal thing, or is there something I should be concerned about.

Thanks!

[Loren]

I would just clean it off and see if it comes back.

Lots of possible causes but if the car runs okay and there is no CEL you are likely fine.

[Tool Pants]

You have 2 tubes because you have e-gas. The non e-gas 2.5 liter. from 1997-1999 had one tube.

I don't know what the coating is or where it comes from. People on the message boards have asked about this once they finally learn how to open the engine lid. I have see it myself on other cars at our work on cars days. The picture is a local 2001 with tiptronic - same thing.

Maybe Todd knows. I once asked asked one the mechanics at the dealership about this, and he knew what I was talking about. He had some theory that did not make sense to me. So, I will put this down as a Peter question.