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Thread: weird residue inside valve cover...what is it?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
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    weird residue inside valve cover...what is it?

    I always notice it when i change my oil...i dont know if its normal or not. When i take off the oil cap, there is this brownish rust color residue on it. I can wipe it off with my fingers, and iif i reach my finger in the motor from the oil hole, i can wipe the same stuff off from inside. What is it? Is something getting in my oil? I can post some pics if you need to see it. I just saw some guys engine rebuilt pics...he had a picture of an empty oil pan with the same colored residue in the bottom and it said "here is the culprit" (of the blown engine). So, is the normal?

    Thanks,
    Ryan

  2. #2
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    I also had this on my new e46 323 when I was in North America... I did not check for this since I got my M3, but I beleive it is normal residue that oil creates due to vapours, heat...etc.
    Now I am due for an oil change on my 1997 M3 and I plan to use Motul engine clean, before I put the oil in.

  3. #3
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    thanks

    yeah i figured its nothing bad, my engine runs great, but who knows. its a good idea putting the cleaner in.

  4. #4
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    Sounds like blowby gasses collecting on the valve train componants. Nothing to see here folks, move along...

  5. #5
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    Ok, thanks, officer
    Quote Originally Posted by dr pooface
    Sounds like blowby gasses collecting on the valve train componants. Nothing to see here folks, move along...

  6. #6
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    turpentine?
    Dakar 95 M3 (4/95 manufacture)
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  7. #7
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    I've heard though if theres a massive amount of residue around the cap it could indicate problems. Massive meaning a good 2-3cm thick coat around the cap. Like i said, only what I've read.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    UK
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    1997 328 i Sport
    its water reacting with the oil, normally during start up due to the heat build up against the cold outside. just did an oil change on mine yesterday and noticed it, very thin film, but so long as the oil looks ok and the water has no oil in it then its normal

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