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What do little spots of paint on various parts of my engine mean? They're on my sensor housings and all over the place. Its the same gel pen markings I get painted on my JY parts. Do I have a salvage engine?

Take a picture - it might have been a quality check of some kind done at the factory. Junkyard engines usually have a date, miles or yard name on it, and I've never seen one put dots on anything let alone everything. Usually a scribble on the major components is the most markings a yard will do.

Could be a previous owner marking parts so that they can identify whether or not they've been changed when they go in for service. Or a JY engine/parts.

As long as everything is working, it's just markings!

I worked at a place that made all the intake manifolds for the GM v-8 truck engines. We called it the skittles line. Every process we did to it had a different color paint pen to mark the quality check.

They seriously looked like someone dropped a handful of skittles on each one.

The G8 is similar, if you look at the engine, the Auzzies take half the engine back apart and re-inspect it, then mark each piece with a paint pen. Probably just QC markings...

Also, the thread title is a bit misleading...

Seriously, what's the issue? They're just check marks either from the factory, or during a PDI. It doesn't impact operation. So what's the issue?

I take a couple pictures this afternoon. I just have my phone camera so I hope it turns out. Its not that surprising I haven't noticed this on other cars because I haven't been in the bay of too many different cars. Yeah car runs fine so no issues now. Curious though. If the motor or other marked parts are not exactly the same as what they replaced repairs could get confusing. And if the whole motor has been swapped then I really don't know how many miles more I can expect it to last. Seems like there's more reasons I'd want to know. I really agree about titling this HELP. Could have been my car has spots ::)

Usually if it is a replacement motor or other parts, you'll see them marking it with actual letters/numbers/codes, perhaps even a VIN# or stock#.

Most check marks during final assembly or even a PDI, are just going to be tick marks or blotches of the the grease pen on the affected part.

Around here they normally JB weld a tag to one of the expansion plugs with their markings on it.

Don't worry about it. Maintain it and it will last. It is nothing to worry about.

DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

Sorry this took all day.

Thermostat Housing>


Fuel Rail Test Port Cap


SC Drain Plug


Throttle Body (yellow not green)


MAF Sensor Housing


There are plenty more, but its all the same as these.

I don't know what they are and where they're at doesn't ring a bell (you know like if they were all on a cap of some sort). You guys 'll figure it out.

L8TR

Drive more, worry less. :-)

Those are just inspection check marks. In the case of fasteners, it means they've been checked to be at proper torque spec.