Jump to content

Engine Block Turned Black


mcali6301

Recommended Posts

I'm only at 50K and the engine and this recently happened.It doesn't seem like grease or dirt because none of it even rubs off with a rag. In some spots it loooks like the the metal literally changed color, and it seemed to have happen over a short period of time.

 

The only change to the engine I have made was install a K&N panel filter.

 

Any feedback?

post-28810-0-18020600-1422133224_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You had the coolant changed and flushed recently or at least in the last six months? Alkaline chemicals such as coolants and other chemical contanmination. Coolant will turn aluminum black. Just check an aluminum radiator inside and you will see what I am talking about. Heat, chemicals and pressure have strange reactions. Also note aluminum is a highly reactive metal. I am also willing to bet the covers are made with magnesium and nickle alloys for heat resistance and strenght. Ever see a nickle turn black?

Edited by macbwt
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A little further research. Sodium Hydroxide is most likely your culprit on this. Found in Water and caustic cleaning solutions. The solution to return the alumimun back to the color you remember it is not a viable solution as you would have to clean it with Nitric Acid, again maybe you need to just live with this and keep the hood closed. Sort of like me, I rarely open the hood unless I need to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have not tried any type of solution or chemicals yet.

 

I Keep the engine cover over it anyway.

 

The car goes to the dealer for maintenance regularly, and the coolant looks fine and I don't think it has been flushed yet.

 

I have absolutely no problem leaving it like this, I just want to make sure that something is not happening that will eventually damage the engine or take any years off of it's life.

 

The oxidation idea is an interesting one since I know K&N filters do let more oxygen into the engine.

 

Bottom line, from a mechanical standpoint, should this concern me?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So definitely some chemical reaction, like mac suggested. You could mask off an area and put a drop of acid in the area to test, but IDK. What is normally involved:

http://www.flitzpolish.com/Heavily_Oxidized_Aluminum_s/28.htm

 

Or try a kit like this:

http://classictrimcoat.com/oxidized-aluminum.html

http://www.everbritecoatings.com/aluminum.htm

Edited by WWWPerfA_ZN0W
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This does have me curious. Two of the coils are grey plastic and one appears to be black along with the engine. On that side of the engine is the transmission fluid fill tube. Have you had the transmission flushed or serviced? Just trying to think of some reasons for this as I checked my latest PCV video I made and my engine valve covers are oxidized/corroded but are white corrosion otherwise known as the same thing as rust is to steel. It also appears to be a spill more than a spray as far as a pattern. Mechanically if nothing is leaking then I in my own decison would just keep on driving and monitor things on occasion.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, I have had the valve body gasket updated back in the summer. Nothing is wrong with the car, It goes for maintenance regularly at the dealer. I find it a little strange that I cannot find any info online about this, no similar pictures, nothing, so that may a be a good thing.

 

I bought the car at 19K so if the previous owner did the same, this car should be in it's best condition.

Edited by mcali6301
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So you have had the valve cover removed and a new gasket installed? If so I am more than willing to bet they cleaned it with something during the process because of the pattern on the cover. It resembles a spill or wiping more than a spray of something. This being said. Keep on driving it as there is nothing wrong other than some discoloration. I like to investigate and ask questions might have something to do with my previous job. LOL

Edited by macbwt
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So you have had the valve cover removed and a new gasket installed? If so I am more than willing to bet they cleaned it with something during the process because of the pattern on the cover. It resembles a spill or wiping more than a spray of something. This being said. Keep on driving it as there is nothing wrong other than some discoloration. I like to investigate and ask questions might have something to do with my previous job. LOL

Yes, but what does that have to do with the engine? I'm pretty sure the valve body gasket removal takes place under the car, at the transmission correct?

 

I'm sure that when they did this, transmission Fluid was lost and restored.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe a spray from the transmission cooler line while being disconnected that then had to be cleaned up? If the engine was warm/hot when the repair was done, the reaction would have been more likely to happen.

 

Interesting, haven't heard of a valve body gasket replacement (at least on an Edge this young) before. Was a transmission TSB (11-12-10 I think) being performed?

 

I see a

"Auto Trans Valve Body ECU Gasket 6 Speed Auto Transmission 6F50" 7T4Z-7H200-A listed in that area.

"Auto Trans Valve Body Access Cover Seal 6 Speed Auto Transmission 6F50" 7T4Z-7B329-B, and

"Auto Trans Valve Body Oil Passage Seal6 Speed Auto Transmission 6F50" 7T4Z-7N266-A.

 

post-23566-0-74466600-1422295013_thumb.jpg

Edited by WWWPerfA_ZN0W
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, but what does that have to do with the engine? I'm pretty sure the valve body gasket removal takes place under the car, at the transmission correct?

 

I'm sure that when they did this, transmission Fluid was lost and restored.

 

I think he was thinking it was the engine valve cover that was removed, not the transmission valve body.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe a spray from the transmission cooler line while being disconnected that then had to be cleaned up? If the engine was warm/hot when the repair was done, the reaction would have been more likely to happen.

 

Interesting, haven't heard of a valve body gasket replacement (at least on an Edge this young) before. Was a transmission TSB (11-12-10 I think) being performed?

 

I see a

"Auto Trans Valve Body ECU Gasket 6 Speed Auto Transmission 6F50" 7T4Z-7H200-A listed in that area.

"Auto Trans Valve Body Access Cover Seal 6 Speed Auto Transmission 6F50" 7T4Z-7B329-B, and

"Auto Trans Valve Body Oil Passage Seal6 Speed Auto Transmission 6F50" 7T4Z-7N266-A.

 

Yes, TSB 11-12-10 was being performed. I had an intermittent tranny slip issue.

Edited by mcali6301
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...