M272 Oil Wick Issue

[Asharm]

Hi All,

I have an M272 Engine that is really a wonderful engine.

140,000 plus on it.

How common is the oil wick issue on this engine?

I only heard about it about 4 months ago, had the ecu checked with no issue.

No one (dealer) told me about the extra length of cable that you can get to prevent this issue so truth be told quite frustrated with that.

Is it too late to add them?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[johnsco]

I added the extension cables to limit oil wicking on my M271 engine two years ago at 95300 miles (2.1/2 years and 6000 miles ago).
At the same time I replaced both solenoids which were both leaking oil.
It's never too late for preventive maintenance - Especially where there are known issues.
The extension cables are not expensive and are easy to fit.

 

[Asharm]

I added the extension cables to limit oil wicking on my M271 engine two years ago at 95300 miles (2.1/2 years and 6000 miles ago).
At the same time I replaced both solenoids which were both leaking oil.
It's never too late for preventive maintenance - Especially where there are known issues.
The extension cables are not expensive and are easy to fit.

Thank you for telling me. I am looking for the 'tails' now and will consider replacing the solenoids.

I believe my oil cooler will have to be removed. I have had this done once this year already to replace the gaskets. I wouldn't mind doing it again.

I do wonder how common this is and if it's as much of a worry as I am making it out to be.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Can you elaborate on the details of this fault for those of us who do not have a M272 engine , but just curious.

Thanks.

 

[ToeKnee]

I believe it can happen on a few different engines. I took all the connectors off the cam magnets and cam sensors and checked and one was showing signs of oil so gave the connector a good clean and replaced the sensor. I'd recommend, and I do, to keep an eye on your connectors and if they start to show any oil ingress then clean and replace the sensor.

 

[Asharm]

Can you elaborate on the details of this fault for those of us who do not have a M272 engine , but just curious.

Thanks.

Hi Petrol Pete, Apologies for the late reply.

What happens is a sensor will start failing and take in oil. That oil will run through the wiring loom due to the 'wick' effect and end up somewhere it shouldnt like the ECU. I have heard its from a solenoid sensor but not too sure.

 

[Asharm]

I had the car re-looked at today and the mechanic noticed that there was oil on one connector and it had seeped up to the ECU (image attached).

Some connectors had a little bit of oil and some didnt.

He doesnt feel that there was any oil within the ECU.

They were given a through clean and he wants to check it again next friday.

I am looking to have that sensor replaced and the tails ordered but I cant find the part number for the M272.

Can anyone guide me on what to do apart from the above and if anyone knows the part number of the tails?

Thank you in advance.