11 replies to this topic

[Zacherius]

Hey all,

Just checked my oil and had a little white gunge on inside my cap ( around the edges )

Instantly gulped thinking headgasket, but dipstick is fine, inside rocker cover is fine, had engine pressure / gasket check about 2 weeks ago and all was fine...... but I did add some Anti Freeze as had none in it.

Have been told the antifreeze may have eaten away a weak seal ??

Is this something to worry about or could it be from some condensation or vapour etc within the engine bay, with it being just on the Cap ????

Cheers

Matt

[mattdc2r]

Could be the head gasket, but could also possibly be condensation, if you do frequent short trips.
Doing this may be a good idea.
Drop the oil.
Clean the cap.
Re-fill with new oil.
Go for a nice long drive.
Check cap again.

Matt.

[Ethel]

It could be perfectly normal, if the crank case ventilation is working properly (cold) air is drawn in through the oil filler so a likely place for condensation.

[Zacherius]

Could be the head gasket, but could also possibly be condensation, if you do frequent short trips.
Doing this may be a good idea.
Drop the oil.
Clean the cap.
Re-fill with new oil.
Go for a nice long drive.
Check cap again.

Matt.

Last "longish" drive was about two weeks ago, since then its been small, sometimes very small, short trips.... About a mile ! lots of them ( picking kids up from school )

Will change oil and check. Should I aslo flush out some of the Antifreeze ?? Is fine, actually sort of weak, but could "water it down " a bit to be sure ??

[Zacherius]

It could be perfectly normal, if the crank case ventilation is working properly (cold) air is drawn in through the oil filler so a likely place for condensation.

crank case ventilation ?? You've lost me ! sorry

The hose to the carb from the crankcase breather on the tappet cover sucks air out of the engine and air gets in through the oil filler - Ethel

But am keeping my fingers crossed on condensation as don't really fancy doing a Head Gasket change around xmas time ! Too Cold, Not enough Time, and want to be out in it, not sat fixing it !

[Ethel]

I wouldn't bother with an oil change unless it is due one, antifreeze is also a corrosion inhibitor so having a decent mix (33%) is good all year round. Just keep an eye on it, remove the oil filler when it's warmed up and pressurised the cooling system - see if there's any sign of steam. Also keep a close eye on the water level in the rad: no drop = no leak, but a drop doesn't necessarily mean the gasket has gone.

[mattdc2r]

If you can't do it yourself, pop by quick-fit or whoever and ask them just to check your mixture. Think they do it for free.

Short journeys are bad for cars. Maybe just clean the cap and take her for a good run out and see how that goes, you may find once the cars up to temperature and driven for a bit it'll get rid of the moisture.

[benb12]

Sorry if I'm talking a load of carp but it's possible that a new filler cap would help?

[Dan]

This is quite normal and absolutely nothing to worry about. If you're concerned then go for a long drive, an hour or so to clear it out. If the mayo disappears after the engine is properly warmed through then it's fine. Don't worry about an oil change or a new cap or anything else just yet, there's probably nothing wrong at all.

[taffy1967]

If you can't do it yourself, pop by quick-fit or whoever and ask them just to check your mixture. Think they do it for free.

Short journeys are bad for cars. Maybe just clean the cap and take her for a good run out and see how that goes, you may find once the cars up to temperature and driven for a bit it'll get rid of the moisture.

Stay away from Kwik Fit because they'll probably recommend you fit fuel injection, need new brakes and new suspension!

[mattdc2r]

Good point lol.

Off topic but my mum took her citroen xsara to kwik fit last week as the exhaust they fitted in June was making strange noises. She called me to say they had informed her it was totally normal as it was gravity acting on the exhaust causing it to twist.
Also told her she needs 2 new tires (which was fair) but that she needed new brakes fitting as well at a cost of over £200. I'll be getting the parts from Euro car parts and doing it for her next week for about £50 in parts. robbing *&@%&**.

Edited by Dan, 21 December 2008 - 11:47 PM.
Language

[Rick's Dad]

Given the extreme damp and cold conditions recently it is almost certainly just condensation; this occurs particularly if the car has not been used much, as in your case. It even happened to a friend of mine who had a VW Beetle (old skule, air-cooled)!