Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

This is probably a dumb question but I can't seem to find out how to refer to this part in order to research it! In regards to my '05 civic dx;

Is it common to have a sludge buildup on this piece (see pic)? I'm not too sure what it is or what it's bolting down... any insight would be greatly appreciated! I want to at last figure out what I'm looking at, and if it's normal

http://www.hondacivicforum.com/forum...pictureid=6490
Let me know if I need to take a better picture.. I've just looked through countless engine diagrams and I'm still trodding through my haynes manual but I just can't seem to identify the bolt thing with any name, and why there might be grime on it.

It's probably nothing I just wanted to know what I was talking about if I took it to someone to look at. There's also a weird white foam, you can kinda see it in the picture - is that normal? Am I paranoid or do I have a jerry rigged engine part?

It runs great... it's an 05 with 130 thousand km's... Really appreciate anyone's wisdom on this. Please forgive my ignorance.

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

The "white foam" may be RTV that squeezed out from the valve cover :shrug:

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

So no biggie?

What about the crap all over there.. business as usual? I'm just gonna clean it, and see if it accumulates again... I'm not losing oil soooo...

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

Well, it is right next to the EGR valve.. May be some leakage from that.. :shrug: I'm just throwing out ideas.. Is it more of an oily grime or some kinda soot?

Poke the "white foam" with something.. If it feels kinda rubbery, then you're fine.

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

It's just the sealer that they put on when the seal the valve cover. They use a gasket but in all the corners they put that silicon crap. I forgot what it's called.

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

*ahem* rtv?

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

Thanks a bunch you guys. Ya, that makes sense about the white stuff... it definitely is rubbery, I'm perfectly satisfied with silicone crap :p so at least it's not something shady. (I just bought the car)

It seems more on the grimey side... I'm gonna get it looked at I think... or is it even worth it?

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

Yess. RTV in the house.

Is there something in your throat? :p

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

*cough cough* yea.. got a little tickle in the throat.. hahahahaha

I'd say clean it off, and periodically check for it's return. You'd prolly be able to get a better idea of at least what direction it's coming from

Re: Can you identify this part/build-up of grime?
 

there is a cam seal/plug in that area and a little oil seepage is normal, so long as you are not dripping oil everywhere.