Possible oil leak near alternator?

Hey all,

Recently got back from a trip to Silver Lake Dunes in MI. Had a blast and was happy with how my stock Tacoma performed. Today I was cleaning out the sand in the engine bay and was reminded of a potential issue that I discovered a few months ago. There seems to be a slow build up of black grit that covers two metal pipes a little bit below the alternator. I noticed this last time I changed my oil and wiped it away. It came back, but very slowly. When I first discovered it I tried to trace where it was coming from with a flashlight but nothing really stood out. I will add that I haven’t noticed any drops of oil on the ground or skid plate and nothing really looks “wet” or fresh. Also, no change in oil level on the dipstick. All the black gunk is gritty and almost rubbery when I squish it between my fingers (see photo). Is there a chance that this is just rubber from the belt? I’ve look a bit online and haven’t seen anyone bring up a similar issue so I am posting here. TIA.

Note: I was dumb enough to wipe a lot of the black grit away before I took a picture. There was still some remaining when I decided I would make a post, so I circled it in red.

Last picture attached is another area where this grittiness is present.

 

A/C lines. Low side can sweat when in use and attract dirt.

 

It probably is residue from the serpentine belt. My vote is to have a drink and enjoy life.

 

Looks like the A/C lines sweat moisture when they are working, and then attract/catch/collect/the rubber dust the serpentine belt looks like it's giving off. Since it looks like it needs it anyway: replace the belt and I'll bet the collection goes away.

Don't mess with the a/c lines if your system is working fine currently and is cold. When they leak, it's a light oily mess that is left behind.

 

simmer down........clean it with brakekleen and monitor

 

Clean the area well and keep an eye on it.. likely road dirt collected there.
Good for you to inspect the engine bay, it amazes me how many people don’t inspect the area regularly.