97 Civic Ex air filter question

I just checked my daughter's Civic for oil and a clean air filter and
noticed a round black greasy pattern on the bottom of it(the paper
fins). I know the round shape is due to the air inlet after the filter
pulling air in but the greasy black stuff surprised me.

I'm thinking their must be a leak somewhere near that is blowing oil
from the engine in small amounts into the air filter.

Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this issue?

Thanks guys!

Ron T

 

(Ron Truitt) wrote in 3178.bay.webtv.net:

Is the intake tract OEM, or has it been replaced by something aftermarket?

There is no source of oil from your daughter's car that could possibly
enter an OEM air intake and foul the bottom of the air filter. It's
possible someone ahead of her had a a coolant or oil leak, and those vapors
got sucked up by her intake.

 

it's just road filth.

 

The entire car is OEM.

Thanks for the responses. I was a bit worried since the car seems to be
using about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles or so but I cannot find a
leak on the ground. It has 105,000 miles so maybe it is due, but I have
2 other cars with 50,000 more miles and they have never leaked.

Ron T

 

oil consumption is a whole different game. since it's a subject that
comes up here regularly, google this group for some outline answers,
then come back with further questions.