Coating or Oil Leak?

N

NYer Mike

Full Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2010
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
South Jersey
Buick Ownership
Regal Turbo TO-7
Today I changed the oil in my Regal for the first time and noticed an oil based coating on the frame and transmission. I had a similar issue with our Enclave which ended up being a leaking transmission seal. The Enclave was leaking trans fluid and was very easy to identify but this looks like a white lithium grease / cosmoline coating, not trans fluid or engine oil. I'm going to wash down the underside of the engine, trans and frame and monitor the situation. I have attached photos of the coating. I will keep you posted on the progress.

PS: My Regal was built in Germany and this maybe a coating for shipment, if so Buick should be aware and remove the coatings prior to sale. This could eliminate unwarranted trips to the dealer.
 
Yeah I noticed that to! I've had some problems with my regal and it's been in the shop more than I'd like but figured the shop guys would have seen this. I look forward to your findings
 
NYer Mike said:
PS: My Regal was built in Germany and this maybe a coating for shipment, if so Buick should be aware and remove the coatings prior to sale. This could eliminate unwarranted trips to the dealer.
Click to expand...

If I recall correctly when I worked for Nissan they too put a coating on vehicles shipped from Japan. Other manufacturers will do the same thing to protect bare metal from the salt air. It's quite possible that is what you are seeing. It does no harm. Why take it off? Leaving it on would be a benefit would it not?
 
It was definitely white lithium / cosmoline on the car. I washed everything off the transmission, axle shafts and lower control arms. I also cleaned the frame areas. The engine and trans was cleaned so it does not hide any leaks, distort the cooling effect of the aluminum housings, and throw the axle shaft balance out. I also cleaned the frame and body to ensure the frame / body drains properly. I do not want any hidden corrosion to start due to the coating causing water and dirt to pool inside the frame etc...
 
You probably could have avoided corrosion all together with the coating of grease tbh
 
Do you have any pictures of this stuff? I have never actually looked under any of my current vehicles, but I have three that are actually made in Germany since Jan. 2010, and I bet one of them still has it.
 
2011RegalOwner said:
Do you have any pictures of this stuff? I have never actually looked under any of my current vehicles, but I have three that are actually made in Germany since Jan. 2010, and I bet one of them still has it.
Click to expand...

The first post of this thread should have 2 photos.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Cars Connected in the Apple App Store Cars Connected in the Android App Store
Great products:
- VIN Check
- Windshield repair kit
- Clean your leather!
- Safe Emergency Charging
- Chemical Guys HydroSpeed Ceramic Quick Detailer
- Chemical Guys HydroCharge High-Gloss Hydrophobic SI02 Ceramic Spray Coating
- Get a dash cam!
- Auto Buyers Market
- Foreign invaders vs USA gangs
Protect your vehicle from code scanners #ad

Share this page

Back
Top