So first failure in our RDX. What do you guys think is the leak coming from ?

 

The PCV valve? has it ever been replaced? if *stuck* closed, it could cause *blowback* through the valve cover vent into the turbo intake, then into the intercooler, and then into the throttle body - which is what I think is shown in your pic. There is a thread on PCV valve replacement, and if its your thread, then sorry

I replaced the PCV valve in my 2009 RDX at 4-years/ 36K miles as PM.

Also, is there any other evidence of oil leak on your car? did you disassemble anything yet? any more info?

 

I actually did replace the PCV valve about 40K km's ago. I asked the dealership and the guy said we don't need to replace those things. It was actually back ordered in Canada for over a year. I ordered mine from the US.

I will open it up and see if it is functioning. I did take apart the thing to do the spark plugs again 40K ago. Nothing has been touched on the motor other wise. Just oil changes with Pennzoil Platinum 5w30.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mau108

I actually did replace the PCV valve about 40K km's ago. I asked the dealership and the guy said we don't need to replace those things. ... Just oil changes with Pennzoil Platinum 5w30.

The USA EPA specifically required the car manufs to design the PCV so that it *cannot* be removed, because they wanted the engine emissions system main components to last for whatever they specified as the *life* of the system, and the EPA does not want the owner removing pieces of that system.

The car engineers decided that a screw-in PCV versus a drop-in PCV, was sufficient to meet the CANNOT BE REMOVED requirement. But that has no effect on the actual service life of a PCV valve, which in my opinion has not changed in 50 years, except that engines now run much cleaner then they once did (less blow-by). Well, except that now a PCV costs $20 instead of <$5.

Well, of course, there were no OEM turbo engines 50 years ago, which will produce more pressure on the entire intake system, because its pressurized, instead of basically *vacuum*.

Without intending to comment on your specific choice of oil, I have tried to use a low NOACK (evaporation loss) oil, to limit oil vapor into the turbo intake.

A stuck oil ring might also cause excessive blow-back into the intake. Just commenting, as there are a number of possible reasons for your oil leak problem, some trivial some not. When you look into the oil fill hole, is there any indication of deposits? Do you have any oil *use* between oil changes? How much? That oil in your intake came from somewhere.

Unless someone has a simple suggestion, I personally don’t think its possible to really diagnose your problem from a description, unless you can provide some additional info – a lot more detailed info. Sorry.

 

Test by pinching the hose while the engine is idling. You should hear the PCV snap closed against the internal spring. I am mostly deaf, so I used a mechanic's steathascope (sp) against the valve. I used pliers with duct tape on the jaws, and pinched the hose *quickly*. My wife could hear the PCV close just by standing by the car. In any case, you can check the valve, once removed, by simply shaking it.

 

Its not the PCV however it is leaking from the throttle body. Removed the intercooler and it looks clean, the pipe form the turbo to the intercooler is clean.

It looks like it's blow by from the valve cover. I have it apart now and just trying to figure out why so much blowby. There is no blue smoke on start up.

Oil level on the dipstick is perfect.

I'm going to run out and take a quick snap shot of the problem.

 

some more high resolution pics