I've got a 2006 Manual, and we noticed on the outside of the engine near where the oil dipstick is, well more like on the black part that I don't know the name of....is covered in a black film I am sure is old oil. Anyone know how it could have gotten there and if there are any sort of gaskets that could be leaking in that area?

 

You notice the oil there, but how is your oil level?

 

It's normal to see oil there since the RX is oil injected and we are checking the level more often.

 

Oil level is fine. I saw it when I was checking the oil....I haven't noticed this on my 04 model but I will look again after work to make sure it's either the same way, or not.

 

Well, ok then. But it just seemed like a film, like oil had been covering it for a while, instead of random spots from checking the oil. But, like I said in the previous post I will check my other Rx8 and see if it's the same, and I will post again later.

Thanks.

 

Its probably the dried oil residue from when the oil filter was removed for servicing.

 

The best way to check for an oil leek is to power wash the engine (keep the engine running) and make sure you remove all the old oil. The keep checking back every few days and you will be able to see if any fresh oil appears

 

Yeah I'm going to clean it tomorrow when I change the oil. I looked at my other 04 model and the engine is clean down where it says 'mazda' on the block. The 06 just has old oil. It's probably nothing serious; the car drives fine.

It only worried me yesterday when I drove it around the block the oil light came on for about 15 seconds then went off. When I checked the oil, it was on the middle dot so I added some more.


We will see.

 

I hope so.