Help! What is this is?

[ashleyisagirlsname]

Was in the engine bay today and saw this oily substance on top. What is it and what should I do about it?

[Westcoaster]

Was in the engine bay today and saw this oily substance on top. What is it and what should I do about it?

They way it is located near the power steering reservoir I would guess some spilled some fluid at some point (it doesn't look recent from the drying in the photo).

I would clean the area and monitor for 'fresh' oil..

Rumor has it you know where I can find a cheap oil filter wrench?

[wvicary]

Oil will often sweat from the joints in the intake manifold. If your not using oil or excessive smoking from the exhaust I wouldn't worry about it.

[Stefan]

There shouldn't be any appreciable amount of oil in the intake unless the air oil separator is going bad. I would check the throttle body to see if it is gunked with oil.

[wvicary]

You will find oil in the intake manifold.... excessive amounts can be a failing/failed AOS but it's accompanied with other symptoms such as smoke at start up,poor idle,check engine light and the like. Don't fix what isn't broken as my father would often say.

Keep an eye on things and if they get worse investigate the problem then.

Edited January 20, 2008 by wvicary

[ashleyisagirlsname]

Thanks everyone for your help/responses. The more I think about it, I did top up the power steering fluid a few months back and must have dripped some. I've got no other unusual signs like smoking during start-up, CEL, or idling problems.

Thanks again