weird oil buildup on this part

[PotionCompiler808]

was swapping out my starter yesterday and saw some oil seepage on this part ( see photo above). not a full-on leak just a thick dusty layer on top. theres some kinda seal there. also found my pcv valve snapped in half right next to it so maybe that was blasting oil fumes on it? anyone else seen this?

 

[DIYforlife]

seeing a pcv in half isn't common but i'd suspect heat, age or pressure how long since you had it replaced?

 

[Elegantmechanic12]

seeing a pcv in half isn't common but i'd suspect heat, age or pressure how long since you had it replaced?

yeah i second this but let me introduce you to the elephant in the room you shouldn't be seeing oil or buildup here. i mean a bit is probably okayish but anything more than that an you have a problem

 

[p00rstud21]

most likely its about to leak, not normal I would say. best to get it checked, or try to remove it and see the source.

 

[wbex_t8]

yeah i second this but let me introduce you to the elephant in the room you shouldn't be seeing oil or buildup here. i mean a bit is probably okayish but anything more than that an you have a problem

Are there early signs of oil leaks to look out for? Just trying to avoid potential headache..

 

[Ocean.eyes]

View attachment 5

was swapping out my starter yesterday and saw some oil seepage on this part ( see photo above). not a full-on leak just a thick dusty layer on top. theres some kinda seal there. also found my pcv valve snapped in half right next to it so maybe that was blasting oil fumes on it? anyone else seen this?

a busted pcv valve can actually cause oil mist to settle on nearby parts. That seepage could just be from old fumes and dust sticking over time. If it's not actively dripping, it's probably nothing major,

 

[p00rstud21]

Are there early signs of oil leaks to look out for? Just trying to avoid potential headache..

One is if theres literally oil leaking on the floor. For modern cars it will just show on the dashboard that you have oil issues, then you can check if theres a leakage.