Oil around intercooler?

[Kam]

I had a look under my car over the weekend as I am having a problem with the undertray grounding from time to time. I noticed that there is caked on oil/grease on the outside of the pipe that connects to the intercooler (situated in front of the front wheel on the offside).

Checked all the power steering reservoir as it is the nearest source of oil and also the engine oil. Both are at the proper levels. I gather this is not normal.

Anyone enlighten me? Thanks.

 

[UncleFester]

Caked oil and grease .... leaky CV boot at some point? Maybe a 'blow' from the intercooler pipework spat something out?

 

[Kam]

Caked oil and grease .... leaky CV boot at some point? Maybe a 'blow' from the intercooler pipework spat something out?

Yeah - did have a leaking CV about 2 months ago! Hope that was the reason - thanks

 

[muddyboots]

Did it look like this: http://muddyboots.fotopic.net/p15502319.html ?

If so - it's normal. Oil vapour gets vented into the inlet from the Crankcase Ventilation System, and over time gets forced out of joints under boost.
The picture is of my Ibiza's IC, my Passat IC is the same.