I opened my hood for the first time the other day since purchasing my car over a month ago to find a white powdery substance all over the block. When I touch it, it seems to come off. Any ideas what this could be caused by? I'm reluctant to wipe it off because I'm not sure if I should leave it and take it to the dealer for inspection. I'm wanting to clean up the engine bay and get it ready for show, but I'm hesitating for now.

 

I would say it's corrosion on the aluminum. Normal for uncoated aluminum (painted or anodized).

MikeyB

 

It sounds like you have the "cartel" model. Stay away from the feds.




It's oxidation.

 

Don't know what you got there, I have no powdery stuff on the engine in my RT.

Drop by the dealer and ask them or call the service department.

Bob

 

I had that on my SXT also, I just hosed it off..nothing to worry about.
I fully agree with Mikey "I would say it's corrosion on the aluminum. Normal for uncoated aluminum (painted or anodized)"

 

That's good to know. Next time I wash my car I'll clean it up. Thanks everyone for their inputs.

 

Its the aluminum / alloy parts oxidizing. I eliminated it by spraying everything clean under the hood within the first week, then putting a good coat of clear heatproof engine paint over everything. A year later and after driving all winter in the snow and salt, my engine looks like brand new still. You may still get most of it with a though cleaning, even with some aluminum wheel cleaner and spraying it now.