Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil film accumulating around hood

[RKrueger]

Hi guys,

I have a very small problem I can't resolve.

Within the last 6 - 8 months, I have started to accumulate oil streaks on both sides of the hood coming down onto the fenders about 3 - 4 inches.

It isn't enough to be dripping or anything, but if I don't wash the truck for a week, they are very visible around the entire hood. I'm not a gearhead, but I looked around, checking for loose "anything", and I have no quantities of oil on my driveway or anywhere else.

It's almost like the breather system was being piped up into the engine compartment, and seeping out around the hood. I asked my mechanic about it, he checked things over and saw nothing of any significance, but did tell me his 2001 was doing the same thing.

Do any of you guys know what's causing this?



Thanks,

Robert

 

[B.G. Smith]

Make sure the oil filler cap is tight, when the engine is hot and running, open the hood and inspect the vent system, sounds like it has a leak at or near where it screws into the cam gear cover. bg

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Who changes your oil? Do they know you are suppose to drain the breather bottle every oil change?

 

[RKrueger]

I don't have a breather bottle.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

What did you do with it?

 

[RKrueger]

Thanks, BG. I'll check that out.



Cheers,

Robert

 

[RKrueger]

Turbo Tim,

My mechanic said that mine never came with one, later models did.



Robert

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Well, I do believe all 24 valves came with a breather bottle but hey I might be wrong! Then it goes back to what BG said and making sure the connection is tight and then..... what is connected to that because there is suppose to be a hose and then a bottle with holes in it. If there is no hose off of the breather that is your major problem. The truck probably had a breather bottle but someone took it off because it is a pain to have to clean it out every oil change. I'll be curious to hear more.

 

[RKrueger]

Now you have my curiosity up...

I have to pick the wife up at the airport right now, so I'll check for that cannister anyhow tomorrow.

I'll also do what BG said.



Thanks, guys,

Robert

 

[Thomas]

"Well, I do believe all 24 valves came with a breather bottle . . . "



The breather bottle first appeared model year 2000.



2000 Ram features from the great Dave Fritz site.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Thomas, nice catch, obviously something I didn't know! What did the 98 and 99's use? Did they just have a tube on the side of the engine like my 93 did?

 

[Thomas]

Picture the breather, on the front, with no bottle.

 

[RKrueger]

Well, I talked to my mechanic today, and he has ordered a bottle kit to install on the truck. Apparently, they are available as an upgrade and he indicated I won't have to pay for it.

I have no seals leaking to the best of my knowledge, and I crawled underneath to check this. IHO, this will take care of the problem.



Thanks again,

Robert

 

[AKAMAC]

I extended the breather down and tied it off to the sway bar, no more gunk on or in engine compartment. Puke bottle in trash.