Milky substance inside the oil filler cap

Pilot · 10-25-2009, 01:41 PM

This car was in storage for two years by the prior owner and when it came out of storage, about 600 miles ago, all the fluids, including the coolant, were thoroughly flushed.

If there is a milky substance inside the oil filler cap, is that a guaranteed blown head-gasket or could it be something else? There are no other blown head gasket symptoms: 1) radiator overflow bottle is not filling/overflowing and there is no unusual smell nor any oil residue in the coolant overflow bottle, 2) exhaust does not smell sweet, 3) there is no overheating problem, 4) the oil on the dip-stick looks normal without any detectable residue or unusual color, 5) there are no visual signs of any leaks.

Medusa · 10-25-2009, 05:09 PM

That can just be water from condensation inside your crankcase. If you don't drive your car very often, or if you only drive it for short periods of time, you can build up water in your oil.

Pilot · 10-25-2009, 05:12 PM

THATS'S freakin GOOD news! Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

That can just be water from condensation inside your crankcase. If you don't drive your car very often, or if you only drive it for short periods of time, you can build up water in your oil.

Medusa · 10-25-2009, 05:24 PM

Haha no problem.

And that's exactly the reason why you should change your oil every three months OR 3000 miles, whichever comes first. If you're using conventional oil, at least. It's not just the wear and tear factor that necessitates oil changes, but water contamination, etc.

toyotaspeed90 · 10-26-2009, 06:22 PM

also, make sure the "pcv" is working... there isn't a true valve, but if it's clogged it can cause excess condensation in the crank case

10-25-2009, 01:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pilot Master MotorcycleMechanic Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 75 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Milky substance inside the oil filler cap This car was in storage for two years by the prior owner and when it came out of storage, about 600 miles ago, all the fluids, including the coolant, were thoroughly flushed. If there is a milky substance inside the oil filler cap, is that a guaranteed blown head-gasket or could it be something else? There are no other blown head gasket symptoms: 1) radiator overflow bottle is not filling/overflowing and there is no unusual smell nor any oil residue in the coolant overflow bottle, 2) exhaust does not smell sweet, 3) there is no overheating problem, 4) the oil on the dip-stick looks normal without any detectable residue or unusual color, 5) there are no visual signs of any leaks.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-25-2009, 05:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Medusa Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 627 Thanks: 9 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	That can just be water from condensation inside your crankcase. If you don't drive your car very often, or if you only drive it for short periods of time, you can build up water in your oil.

10-25-2009, 05:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Medusa Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 627 Thanks: 9 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Haha no problem. And that's exactly the reason why you should change your oil every three months OR 3000 miles, whichever comes first. If you're using conventional oil, at least. It's not just the wear and tear factor that necessitates oil changes, but water contamination, etc.

10-26-2009, 06:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
toyotaspeed90 No Skills Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 422 Thanks: 0 Thanked 32 Times in 32 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	also, make sure the "pcv" is working... there isn't a true valve, but if it's clogged it can cause excess condensation in the crank case