What's this crap on my engine?!
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Joined: Mar 2012
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What's this crap on my engine?!
Hey all,
I've noticed this green crusty stuff on my engine recently. It actually looks like dried coolant.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7566318...in/photostream
You can see the crud all along the engine. Where I circled in red, is there supposed to be a screw there or something? I was thinking maybe that's where the coolant was seeping out of. I don't drive it too often but when I do I always check the temp periodically to make sure it's not overheating or anything.
Thanks
I've noticed this green crusty stuff on my engine recently. It actually looks like dried coolant.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7566318...in/photostream
You can see the crud all along the engine. Where I circled in red, is there supposed to be a screw there or something? I was thinking maybe that's where the coolant was seeping out of. I don't drive it too often but when I do I always check the temp periodically to make sure it's not overheating or anything.
Thanks
Last edited by 06MS6; May 16, 2012 at 06:31 PM.
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Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
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From: Peoria Az
Man thats nasty!!! It looks like coolant is coming out of the pores of the metal. Poor castings can have porosity where fluid can pass thru them. But you'rs is way back from the coolant passages.
I'd be pulling that intake and giving it a good inspection
I'd be pulling that intake and giving it a good inspection
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
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No bolt needed there. That is an accessory mount hole. Wherever it is coming from it is definately coolant. Coolant is between the two end bolt holes on each corner of the intake manifold. When you get ready to solve it you will need to pull the intake and replace the gasket. Could also be coming from the thermostat housing gasket. Water can seep even after a new gasket. I have to keep the bolts tightened up on mine as the gaskets compress. mike...
Last edited by mds3013; May 16, 2012 at 07:09 PM.
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I'm pretty sure I remember cleaning that off before, so I don't think it's mold.
I'll take your suggestions and reply back to this thread. It may be a while though before I get into all that. I'm doing a brake job in the next few weeks first, then I'll pull the intake.
Anyone else have more advice? I appreciate it.
I'll take your suggestions and reply back to this thread. It may be a while though before I get into all that. I'm doing a brake job in the next few weeks first, then I'll pull the intake.
Anyone else have more advice? I appreciate it.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 476
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From: Lynnwood WA
The photos make it look like Electrolysis. Been around salt water?
Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture) containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a galvanic action that results in the deterioration of one of them.
Zorro
Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture) containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a galvanic action that results in the deterioration of one of them.
Zorro
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 465
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From: NorthEast
My old intake was leaking and causing the same problem. New gasket from Mr. Gasket worked. I also am having a small coolant weep from the the nut on top of the water neck. Taking care of that tomorrow.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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The photos make it look like Electrolysis. Been around salt water?
Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture) containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a galvanic action that results in the deterioration of one of them.
Zorro
Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture) containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a galvanic action that results in the deterioration of one of them.
Zorro
Nice description!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
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From: Indy Indiana
The photos make it look like Electrolysis. Been around salt water?
Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture) containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a galvanic action that results in the deterioration of one of them.
Zorro
Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture) containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a galvanic action that results in the deterioration of one of them.
Zorro
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Belle River Ontario
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
I dunno ... Wow , that's kinda nasty.
It definitely looks like coolant , I'm thinking a pressure test of the cooing system would be a great place to start after cleaning that up.
Best of luck
It definitely looks like coolant , I'm thinking a pressure test of the cooing system would be a great place to start after cleaning that up.
Best of luck
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 465
Likes: 18
From: NorthEast
Just placed an aluminum intake on iron heads with no problems. And I made sure there was not going to be any dissimilar metals wreaking havoc on each other. A lot of crate motors go with an aluminum intake on iron heads too. My old iron intake looked like this but I think it was from years of leaking and neglect. If you find out what the root cause is let us know, interesting.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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I appreciate all of your input. I cleaned some of it off and it looks like it's eating through the paint or whatever it is that coats the engine. I drove it around today for a while and didn't see anything new come up.
I will definitely keep you guys updated once I take up on the advice.
I will definitely keep you guys updated once I take up on the advice.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 406
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From: Maroochydore QLD
Look for a leak around your thermostat housing, definately coolant related and the fan could easily blow it back to there from the housing. The housing is the highest point in your engine and air pockets are created there after you turn off the engine, this allows oxidation to occur (where there is oxygen) and often the housing gets eaten through and a pin hole is created, the pin hole can block with grime so even under pressure fluid doesnt always escape. Remove the housing, two easy bolts and check it.
Just my 2c worth. Dennis.
Just my 2c worth. Dennis.
