Engine Bay Pics (WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES) 5S-FE | 210,000 miles

[kjarrett]

lol j/k...just wondering if you guys can help me understand a few things about my engine bay.

First, why is the metal so corroded, particularly the valve cover? It really seems to have broken down. Is it the type of aluminum finish (guessing?) We live near the ocean and I realize corrosion is part of life but I've seen 5S-FE engines before and many of them have the same corroded look.

Second, what is this sensor and is it covered with oil from the valve cover gasket?



I just did an oil change and put in the full 4 quarts instead of the 3.8 it calls for and I noticed what appears to be oil coming from the breather cap ... I did spill a tiny bit in this area, thought I'd wiped it all up ... I re-tightened it but is this related to that and possibly a problem? It's easy enough for me to drain out .2 quart since I have the Fram Sure Drain on there. I've never, ever overfilled ANY car I've ever owned before this. Figured since it was leaking oil anyway, it wouldn't matter being over slightly.



More pics for your viewing pleasure: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarret...7624672719744/

I am normally crazy anal about my engine bays (here's a shot of the engine bay of my last car: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarret...7623828156521/) but since the Camry has so many miles on it I didn't want to go crazy detailing the engine bay if you know what I mean. Just wondering if there's a happy medium or if cleaning this thing will cause issues.

Thanks!

-kj-

[quangtran89]

The first picture is the oil pressure switch. Broke mine last week.

[kjarrett]

Thanks. Does the fact it is covered in oil means it is going bad?

[quangtran89]

If there's no oil coming out from it then it's good. If oil is leaking from it then it's good to replace. From the picture, are you leaking oil from the valve cover gasket and oil is getting it on it?

[kjarrett]

Yes that is what it looks like to me but honestly, I have no idea...

[quangtran89]

I think your switch is fine. If you want to replace it, it's only $10-$15

[73sport]

Just my 2 cents, it looks to be weeping a tad well unless oil was spilled on it. I'd opt for replacement.

As for the sand and corrosion, stay up on the maintenance and hopefully you don't have to deal with rusty snapped off bolts cause it sure looks like its been down the beach a time or judging by the sand on board????? Then again, maybe thats just part of ocean beach life and blowing sand? IDK

[carsrus]

That corroded look is normal. Just replace the valve cover gasket and get everything cleaned up, nothing looks outta the ordinary.

Oh man the legendaray GM 3.8. Your gonna be a pro at the camry if youve mastered the 3800. Nothing beats having to have a 4 foot long funnel and a lifl to top of the power steering fluid on one of those lol.

[rty]

Looks normal to me, apart from a valve cover leak.