Oil Build Up under Hood

[BirdExplorer]

Good Morning/Afternoon,

I have a 15 Explorer with 15k miles currently driven on it. Yesterday I went to add some windshield washer fluid and I noticed quite a bit of oil built up (with a little bit of dirt) mainly on the driver side of the engine/battery/airbox. I tightened all the fluid containers and looked for loose hoses but did not find any thing obvious.

Is this common with the Explorer or is there a problem?

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Oil build up? I just see common dirt & dust.

 

[BadHabit2Break]

Oil build up? I just see common dirt & dust.

I see the same

 

[BirdExplorer]

The dust would not stick unless there was something for it to stick to. This EX is basically new with only 15k miles. I guess the pic does not necessarily do justice to the problem.

I am not bashing Ford or anything, I love my EX.

I have a 08 Avenger with 125k that does not have this type of build up.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

The dust would not stick unless there was something for it to stick to. This EX is basically new with only 15k miles. I guess the pic does not necessarily do justice to the problem.

I am not bashing Ford or anything, I love my EX.

I have a 08 Avenger with 125k that does not have this type of build up.

I suspect someone put a plastic/vinyl dressing on some of the black parts, and that's attracting the dirt & dust to stick.

 

[CajunFordEx]

Are you losing oil in the crankcase? Is any oil dripping on the ground/cement after your Ex is parked for a while? You are still under warranty so let a dealership of your choice have a look at it.

Your 2015 is immaculate under the hood compared to my 2011. I travel on many gravel roads with mine.

 

[BirdExplorer]

I suspect someone put a plastic/vinyl dressing on some of the black parts, and that's attracting the dirt & dust to stick.

That is a great point, I did not think of that.

Are you losing oil in the crankcase? Is any oil dripping on the ground/cement after your Ex is parked for a while? You are still under warranty so let a dealership of your choice have a look at it.

Your 2015 is immaculate under the hood compared to my 2011. I travel on many gravel roads with mine.

There is no obvious oil leak, I may have the dealership take a look at its next service.

What is the best way to keep under the hood clean? Should I just wipe it down with some towels?

 

[blwnsmoke]

That is a great point, I did not think of that.



There is no obvious oil leak, I may have the dealership take a look at its next service.

What is the best way to keep under the hood clean? Should I just wipe it down with some towels?

I spray simple green over my engine, let soak for several minutes and then use a slow flowing hose to rinse it all away. Works very well.. I take plastic grocery bags to cover the battery and the alternator and go to town.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Another vote for Simple Green.

 

[gatzdon]

I can't see your pictures, but under the hood on the driver's side is a vacuum pump driven by the cam shaft. Leaky seal on this pump would cause oil on the engine/transmission on the driver's side.

Simple solution is to just ask dealer to check for an oil leak and document it on the service write up. They will either find a leak and fix it, or give you a receipt that says there is no leak. If they suspect a leak, they can put a dye in the oil and find it better than you or anyone on the internet.

Good luck.

 

[sheltonfilms]

That picture shows what an armor all soaked engine bay looks like after some miles.

Have it detailed?

I bought a 2013 used and it was coated with armor all. Now it looks like that. Ford salesman said, we do that for every vehicle.

 

[BadHabit2Break]

That picture shows what an armor all soaked engine bay looks like after some miles.

Have it detailed?

I bought a 2013 used and it was coated with armor all. Now it looks like that. Ford salesman said, we do that for every vehicle.

I dont like when they do that. But it is more appealing to someone looking to buy than to just leave everything plan and clean.

 

[sheltonfilms]

I dont like when they do that. But it is more appealing to someone looking to buy than to just leave everything plan and clean.

I hate it. I told the sales guy it's the same as putting a cheap pine tree air freshener in the car.

 

[peterk9]

The dust would not stick unless there was something for it to stick to. This EX is basically new with only 15k miles. I guess the pic does not necessarily do justice to the problem.

I am not bashing Ford or anything, I love my EX.

I have a 08 Avenger with 125k that does not have this type of build up.

I don't have any oil leaks and have dust on various components. Just like in the house.

Peter