2016 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L - Is This Engine Grease a Problem?

[GoOil97]

I just noticed this dry grease mixed with dirt on my wife’s Mazda in the attached pics. Is this normal? The belts looks fine, was thinking of replacing them this summer. Regular oil changes with either Pennzoil or Kirkland 0w20, no issues with any discernible consumption. Was also going to do a coolant drain and fill soon. Approx. 116,000kms, purrs like a kitty!

I took a paper towel and it just looked like dried dirt mixed with a little bit of grease.

 

[The Critic]

Timing cover needs to be resealed and serpentine belt tensioner is also leaking.

 

[dnewton3]

I agree with The Critic. That's not "grease"; it's oil residue. You need to address the leak points.

 

[Jetronic]

I would try to torque the timing cover bolts a bit, I've seen a lot of weeps like that stopped just by torqueing a bit higher. Clean the oil marks and see what happens.

The tensioner is or has leaked aswell. If the belt and tensioner aren't behaving erratic when the engine is running, I'd leave it for now.

 

[GoOil97]

Thanks for the replies, I will work at addressing this. The belt and tensioner don't appear to be erratic at all, smooth and no vibration, jumping or weird noises.

 

[The Critic]

I would try to torque the timing cover bolts a bit, I've seen a lot of weeps like that stopped just by torqueing a bit higher. Clean the oil marks and see what happens.

The tensioner is or has leaked aswell. If the belt and tensioner aren't behaving erratic when the engine is running, I'd leave it for now.

There’s nothing to be torqued. RTV doesn’t shrink like conventional gaskets.

 

[Jetronic]

There’s nothing to be torqued. RTV doesn’t shrink like conventional gaskets.

shows what you now... done loads.

 

[The Critic]

shows what you now... done loads.

I have never seen one loose and conceptually struggle with the idea. But good for you if it has worked? To me, the RTV is dried up and cover needs to be resealed, it's that simple.

 

[GoOil97]

There is no drip or "leakage" per se, and this may have been from a long time ago too. I just noticed it after inspecting the belts cause I'm traumatized from my alternator failing on my other vehicle while I was 2 hours out of town

 

[We're Metals]

The tensioners on this engine are a known problem. I know because I have one I need to change.

I wouldn't worry about the VC gasket myself, just replace it when it makes sense.

 

[bdcardinal]

Thanks for the replies, I will work at addressing this. The belt and tensioner don't appear to be erratic at all, smooth and no vibration, jumping or weird noises.

We sell the tensioners all the time, they are hydraulic and leak a lot, same with the timing covers.

 

[Jetronic]

I have never seen one loose and conceptually struggle with the idea. But good for you if it has worked? To me, the RTV is dried up and cover needs to be resealed, it's that simple.

I've found several new (1st year service, sometimes 2nd year) that had slight weeps from the timing cover, so while the oil was draining i put a wrench on the bolts and gave it a little tug. I've always found some bolts that could use a few degrees more tightening, and the leaks were always gone. The leaks were never big enough to produce drips, more like a golden sweat but if left unchecked it will eventually turn to what you see in the above pictures. if the oil pours out, the bolts aren't the issue, those covers need resealing.

I think the issue is with heat cycling if the bolts are not quite tight enough.

I've also had a few sumps, but much less common.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Just the sewing machine oil finding its way out.