The other night I was looking over the engine compartment of my 09 H3 I5 with a flashlight when I noticed what appeared to be a small film of oil and I mean small with black dust (belt dust and dirt) stuck to it behind and only behind the crank pully in the front of the motor. This was a very small amount and there was definitely no evidence of dripping as the bottom side of the aluminum engine block was clean as a whistle as well as the garage floor. Even if I let the engine idle for 30 minutes in the garage after a long drive, there still is not a drip on the floor or bottom side of the motor under the crank pully. I know that the oil has been changed by the dealer once so a spill may be at fault? Does this sound like a normal occurance or should I be concerned? I have 3200 miles on the H3. When the engine is turned off, can the positive cranckcase vacuum be deminished causing a micro amount of oil to seep out through the crank shaft seal for that split second? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

My 2006 with 10,000 miles does not any sign of a film of oil. I would keep an eye on it and not worry as it is on warranty.

 

Try cleaning the area with some engine cleaner. Might have to go to the spray wash and soap it good. Then check it after a while to see if it continues to show up again.

Could be something as harmless as a small spill from an oil change, or a problem depending on what happens once you get it cleaned up?

 

Thanks for the responses, I bought some engine degreaser and will remove the small amount of oil. I will keep an eye on it and if it disapears completely than I will know that it was a harmless spill. If it does come back, I will take it in to the dealer.