Hello again everyone!

I have a query regarding the engine oil. I recently changed out my thermostat housing and while it was removed, I was able to peek inside of the "cavity" of the engine block since the air manifold needed to be removed to access the bolts for the thermostat housing. Inside of that "cavity," though, I noticed there was some oil in there - not a lot, but not a few drips either. I would say about half a cup. Is this normal or does this mean there is a leak? I also noticed a whining sound coming from the engine at start-up (even before changing the housing) so now I am wondering if the oil inside of the "cavity" might be connected to an oil pump issue (which I read on other posts as a potential source to the whining noises). I appreciate any feedback and thanks for reading!

 

How did you confirm that it was in face engine oil? I gotta think it was dark in that cavity....could it have been coolant? I have read that a slight, subtle whine is normal for this engine. There are also lots of sources of non-normal whining...the HVAC comes to mind as does the alternator when it's on its way out (if it's a loud whining).

 

One source of a whine or hiss is the PCV valve, on the passenger side front of the engine. I've been told a hiss is fine and means it is working.

 

I have seen that same oil build up. My conclusion was a failing PCV valve letting too much oil vapor/oil which was accumulating as liquid oil. Changed the PCV valve and did a BG induction cleaning. Car ran super smooth after that and got an increase of 2 miles per gallon on average. The rag is showing one swipe of the intake housing.

 

Wow, thank you for the responses! Abran, that looks about familiar to me and I have noticed that lately, my rover has lost some power (not a lot, but some), especially when climbing hills and I do have a reduction in mpg at the moment. Djkronik57 and Abran, I will have someone look at the PCV valve. Thank you very much!!!