Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Copper colored residue

[DMoon]

Do I have a problem? I have been noticing a oily, copper colored residue on my valve cover and on my injection pump. It's been present for well over a year. My engine holds good oil pressure, no modifications, ~ 220,000 miles on odometer so it's barely broke in. Anyone have any ideas.

[/IMG]

 

[rkressg]

Did you put copper bars leak in the cooling system, that could possibly be leaking (spraying) out and leaving trace amounts on the valve cover?



That is not rust, correct?



What is near there on the the valve cover. By the looks, I am assuming that you have a 12v. the only copper in the engine (and I am not even sure on that) is the main journal bearings, but with only 220k on the motor, I doubt that it could be that.



-Rich

 

[Suprmn]

That stuff kind of looks like the spray on copper gasket adhesive that comes in a small spray can. Did anyone do some work in the engine compartment and use some of that? Might as well try to eliminate some of the simple stuff first.

 

[DMoon]

Did you put copper bars leak in the cooling system, that could possibly be leaking (spraying) out and leaving trace amounts on the valve cover?



That is not rust, correct?



What is near there on the the valve cover. By the looks, I am assuming that you have a 12v. the only copper in the engine (and I am not even sure on that) is the main journal bearings, but with only 220k on the motor, I doubt that it could be that.



-Rich

It is a 12v. 1995 2500, 2WD. Seems like I did put some stop leak in it a couple years ago. I had a small leak on the bypass hose and was on the way back from a long trip to Maine so I think I did add some stop leak. I can't imagine it would be the mains. I have good oil pressure and no knocking (well as far as I can tell) and if it were a main bearing I'd have blown her by now. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[RSergeant]

my truck had this on it once mainly aroung the injection pump area, but I am sorry I do not know what it is. any body else?

 

[DMoon]

my truck had this on it once mainly aroung the injection pump area, but I am sorry I do not know what it is. any body else?

Did you have any problems with your engine? I guess I'm a little concerned mainly becasue I'm not sure what it is.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I thought I was seeing things when I saw that on my '98 for the first time. Now it's all cleaned off from where it was stuck to the darn oil that dripped everywhere on the front suspension/frame.



Here's a theory: Could it be copper residue from the radiator that gets sucked through by the fan and depositied onto anything that will allow it to stick?



Matt

 

[WMonroe]

Had it on my truck around the injection pump too. Never found out what it was and nothing ever went wrong. I almost forgot about it; sure would be nice to know what it is.

Will

 

[Kernel]

Is it on both sides of the valve cover and made it's way around the gasket? Looks like it is baked on from heat of the engine... oil+water?



Scott

 

[DMoon]

Is it on both sides of the valve cover and made it's way around the gasket? Looks like it is baked on from heat of the engine... oil+water?



Scott

Primarily just on the front of the valve cover as in the picture but there is also some on the injection pump. Doesn't seem to be getting worse. As soon as I get off these crutches and back on my feet I'm gonna detail the engine and see what happens.

 

[DMoon]

I guess if others have seen it and have reported no problems from it, then it may be considered "normal??"