Can you identify this?

[buster]

I was about to clean the engine today but held off due to rain. I found this thick white cloth material at the bottom of the engine laying on top of the splash guard. Doesn’t look like it belongs to the engine. I also noticed a piece of heavy fabric that seems to have come loose.

 

[Zee09]

Make-model-engine?

 

[Warstud]

Looks like heat resistant fabric of some kind.

 

[buster]

Sorry, 2015 Mazda 3.

 

[PimTac]

Do the holes match up to the area with the loose cloth?

 

[buster]

Originally Posted By: PimTac
Do the holes match up to the area with the loose cloth?


No I don't think so. The white piece doesn't look like it goes anywhere. I'll have to keep looking.

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: buster
Originally Posted By: PimTac
Do the holes match up to the area with the loose cloth?


No I don't think so. The white piece doesn't look like it goes anywhere. I'll have to keep looking.


A possible heat shield where the bolts rusted off?

Whimsey

 

[buster]

Could be. I would suspect power steering rack lines since there’s no turbo or anything?

 

[buster]

Exhaust cam actuator seal is starting to leak. Very small but noticeable.

 

[Mr Nice]

What exactly started to leak ?

 

[buster]

There is some oil around the top metal part. Not much but it's damp.

 

[Kira]

Regarding the cloth....assembly line "funnies"?

Perhaps some kind of rattle-proofing?

Perhaps a heat resistant rest for a worker's arm while working on something hot (recently welded)?

 

[Mr Nice]

Heat resistant cloth?

 

[Warstud]

Take it to a Mazda dealer. They would know.

 

[dishdude]

I think you picked up some road debris.

 

[buster]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
I think you picked up some road debris.


That’s a strong possibility.