What's this thing (and why is it leaking oil?)

[JMarkert]

I've been trying to track down a small oil leak for a couple months. I cleaned everything off and watched for fresh oil. I had at first suspected the PS pump that several folks have had trouble with, but it turns out the culprit is the thing behind it. Does anyone know what it does? It's still hard to tell, but I'd guess that the shaft seal coming out of the motor is the true source of the leak.

[aerojon]

looks like the combustion detection module..

[WooSAABy]

It also looks like it has a part number on the side!!

post the part number and all shall be revealed!

[jlrdrony]

yes, it is the CDM, fuel metering unit, part of the engine electronic for injectors, coil spark plugs and engine module.

the oil leaks must be due to the head cylinders gasket (rocker gasket).
my son get this problem with 2.0T.

[cadcamjim]

I always thought that was the vacuum pump for the brake servo.

[JMarkert]

Thanks, folks. The part number on the black plastic thing is 12787708, BUT, I'm not sure this is the part in question. The black thing is attached to a round metal thing with a bracket. The round thing is sort of like a smaller tuna can, looks for all the world like it has a rotating shaft going into the motor. I seem to remember once that we had a vacuum pump, could that be it??

[WooSAABy]

Originally Posted by JMarkert

Thanks, folks. The part number on the black plastic thing is 12787708, BUT, I'm not sure this is the part in question. The black thing is attached to a round metal thing with a bracket. The round thing is sort of like a smaller tuna can, looks for all the world like it has a rotating shaft going into the motor. I seem to remember once that we had a vacuum pump, could that be it??

12787708: Description : Jonization module
usage:2003-2004

WTF is a Jonization module??

[OlegShv]

Originally Posted by WooSAABy

12787708: Description : Jonization module
usage:2003-2004

WTF is a Ionization module??

I suspect that it is responsible for knock control.

http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/dec2002/techtips.htm

[JMarkert]

LOL, yes, that must be a typo in the WIS, Ionization makes a bit more sense. Google further down in my searches on jonization I did turn up some stuff on theoretical plasma physics, but i'm guessing IONization.

Anyhow, i think that the electronic module isn't really connected to the more deeply burried thing. I think cadcamjim's note that came in just before my clarification is right. If it is the brake servo vacuum pump, does anyone know how it's put together? I'd still put $ on the idea that the pump itself is OK, but the seal between it and the engine block is gone. Of course it's hard to see much detail since there are so many wires, hoses, and modules in the way. Or Jlrdrony might be right, the valve cover gasket could be leaking, but it looks mostly like its coming from lower.

[JMarkert]

OK, I've edited the picture to make things a little more clear - the part in question is the metal can shaped thing. You might need to hit reload to make my arrow appear - it turns out it happens to be attached to the black electronic stuff, but only by a bracket - I don't see any electrical connections. If cadcamjim's idea is right, does anyone know how to R and R it? I'm hoping that unlike the PS pump, I'm not contaminating anything with this small oil leak and that it's just dripping down the side of the motor.

[aerojon]

no pic now

[JMarkert]

Originally Posted by aerojon

no pic now

Sorry, and thanks! Hopefully fixed now aero?

[aerojon]

yep...

[JonV]

Throw some Tracerline UV Dye in the Oil......

[JMarkert]

Originally Posted by JonV

Throw some Tracerline UV Dye in the Oil......

Thanks Jon - I don't think there's much need for that - I can definitely see the oil coming out from this assembly (or, more importantly, most areas of the motor are squeaky clean except for a trail under this widget).

[Ridenbaugh]

You are correct, I found it in the WIS.

JM, do you have a WIS? Basically it looks like this vacuum pump is similar to the power steering pump in that it connects directly to the cam shaft. From what you say it sounds like you might either need to tighten it or replace. There is a seal where the unit meets the side of the engine, I don't however know if you can replace it alone.

replacement steps seem extremely easy and could most likely be done faster than a power steering pump. there are actually only 4 steps.

Good Luck!

btw... the part number on that unit for my car is 12787763(but i can't seem to find any record of it)

Originally Posted by cadcamjim

I always thought that was the vacuum pump for the brake servo.

[JMarkert]

Thanks Ridenbaugh - I don't have the WIS, but I'll look later to see if alldata has a procedure. Or maybe I'll figure out how to get me a WIS.

From what you say, there would be two potential sources of a leak, one might be the seal around the rotating shaft, the other would be a failed gasket between the pump and the motor. Does that make sense?

[aerojon]

vacuum pump..

[Ridenbaugh]

Yes, it makes sense. But I'm not real sure where what seals are aside from the one in the pic. I'll attach a pic that maybe will help you out.

hint hint... IDM is the abbreviation for Ionization Detection Module. undo the two bolts holding it on and you can move it out of the way to get a close look at your problem area.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by JMarkert

Thanks Ridenbaugh - I don't have the WIS, but I'll look later to see if alldata has a procedure. Or maybe I'll figure out how to get me a WIS.

From what you say, there would be two potential sources of a leak, one might be the seal around the rotating shaft, the other would be a failed gasket between the pump and the motor. Does that make sense?

[Ridenbaugh]

this is a little off topic, but while he are on the semi-subject. Are there any actual benefits from having the power steering pump and vacuum pump connected via the cams? In the past with the power steering pump at least it was tied in with the S belt. Never had one leak that way...