On the 1.2 tsi chain driven I have noticed a pipe made from flexible sponge which appears to branch into the turbo at one end and the rocker box at the other. At the rocker box connection I have wiped away a thin film of oil. Does this pipe perish over time and to need replacing? What is its function and what symptons are there on its demise? The first picture shows the connection to turbo and second, t'other end.

I think what you refer to as a sponge pipe, is either a plastic or metal pipe, with a type of foam/sponge insulation. This is most likely to prevent either heat and/or rubbing taking place. The indentation shows a certain pressure and wear to said sponge.

If you look at the underside of your engine cover, you will see a similar type of from layer. These decompose over time and often fall of in lumps. Again, insulation from sound and helps prevent vibration. Nice when new, tricky to replace as glued on and costly to swap the whole plastic so no-one bothers. Partly why the car gets louder with age!

 

The oil MAY be an actual leak or may be just an accumulation of splashes and spills, over the vehicles life. The sponge will absorb and suck it up like a-well, sponge! Try cleaning the area perhaps with a gentle degreaser and keep an eye on it for continual leaks, before worrying too much. Take care not to use powerful degreasers as they may just dissolve the foam, though!

 

I have re-attached my engines undercover foam once or twice, using superglue but this causes the foam to heat up and go flat so its a tricky thing to do and you won't want to melt it or cause a chemical reaction which might catch fire, in the very worse circumstances!

It is a 63 plate with 32k miles on clock. I have owned it since new. I will wipe it with cotton buds as room is tight for fingers

 

Edited 9 June, 20197 yr by edbostan