erm...mayo anyone?

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:17 pm

Just been checkin my oil level and have found that dreaded mayo type gunk. Not loads but a bit round the dip-stick and some on the inside of the oil filler cap.

I'm not terribly scared as I intend to replace the engine near the end of this year anyway, but what exactly does this yellowy gunk indicate? Is it something to do with water gettin into the oil? What should I do?

How longs she got Doc?

Cheers!

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:20 pm

Possible head gasket
or cracked head I think mate

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:22 pm

i had this show up on mine on sunday morning,
but since sunday night it has not shown up since.....

Although i am keeping an eye on the water and oil to see whats happening....

See this thread

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=26921

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:33 pm

Have had a brief look through the thread, thanks! (have to go out for a bit but will look in more detail when I get back), but I replaced the head gasket not too long ago which I'm guessin could mean the head is on its way out. Yet to check my water levels. When I punch the accelerator in 1st and 2nd theres a puff of bluey thick smoke but then it goes. Could this be linked? I know my engines nearing the end but would like it to last a bit longer till I can afford to get the conversion.

...anyone in North London do conversions by the way? I'm not skilled enough to know what to do and my mates who are don't live locally. I've got an F reg 318i and am looking to get a tuned (possibly turbo'd) 325i lump.

Help!

EDIT - probably not turbo'd, found out how much it costs!

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:52 pm

If the mayo appears on the oil cap, then it's a good chance it could be condensation, on te dipstick, if it's around the top of the dipstick, same again good chance it's condensation, but if it's at the oil level on the dipstick then you've got a problem!

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:55 pm

If the water level in the header tank doesn't go down, then the mayo is not coolant mixing with the oil.
If it does, then........

Post Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:04 pm

Thanks for the pointers guys, I'll take another look tomorrow, should I run the car for a bit first tho?

Cheers!

Post Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:43 am

After finding the mayo on mine, i ran mine, but i did not take the engine above 2500-3000rpm in any gear, i did this just to see if there was a problem, but 3 days later, still no more mayo.....