Is this an engine seam oil leak patch job?

I am a second owner of 2021 with 30k on the odometer and the CARFAX was pristine, truck appeared to have been really well taken care of. I was performing the first oil change and noticed something peculiar to the upper right of the oil filter, guessing part of the engine block. Where two pieces come together a section of the sealer/ caulking looks really sloppy like someone tried to fix a potential leak (circled in red). To the left of it there are sections where the sealer/ caulking looks perfect like it came out of the factory using a machine (circled in green). Im fearing the worst now. Can others confirm your area looks different or similar?

 

Is it leaking?

 

Not at the moment but by looking at the engine skid / splash plate there is evidence there was an oil leak in the past. I’m thinking his solution was to patch it with what looks to be a sealer of some kind. Good news is it’s not leaking now but I’m thinking it’s only a matter of time before it does again. Pretty disappointed considering it’s a 2021 and one would hope being the final year of its gen that such issues wouldn’t exist. Is this a common area for oil leaks?

 

That isn't a common area for leaks. Normally it's only the cam towers that leak. Good news is that its still under the powertrain warranty so if it is or does leak, it's covered.

 

Mine (2020) is identical, with the same "clean" areas and the same "extra sealant." If you look hard enough, you will find 100 places with seemingly inexplicable excess sealant or other things that look odd.

Second, most dealers and oil change places are going to just unbolt the skid plate and let it pivot downward from the front hooks and bumper trim attachment. Inevitably, oil will get on it while changing the cartridge filter because it is not fully out of the way.

Your truck is fine. The real news here is that you have a low mileage 2021 and it is clean enough that you can notice this stuff. Enjoy it.

 

Nothing to worry about. If it bothers you, clean it off with some carb cleaner and a cloth.

 

Thank you for the confirmation that your 2020 is exactly the same! You have no idea how much relief it is. Interesting that the sealant is so sloppy from the factory (looks like a total patch job by Joe) especially when most of the other areas are perfect. Also, your statement about the splash plate dangling at the lazy dealer makes sense that it could get oil spray. That must be it because this truck has had all its oil changed done at the dealer until now. Nonetheless I will spray the plate down with brake cleaner, get it nice and clean, and monitor anything in case.