Condensation in the oil?!

Post Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:54 pm

See this thread for more details near the bottom -
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=4729

Basically I found a little bit of mayo like substance at the edge of the dipstick the other day when checking the car for oil.
The water etc was fine and its not heating up or anything.

Ive seen in a few places on here about people talking about condensation causing it but ive never heard of it on any of car forums and its never happened on any other cars Ive had including the GSI which sat for 2 months without being started over the winter.

Should I be getting worried and expecting cracked head/head gasket problems or could it simply be condensation as was mentioned?!

One thing scaring me a little is that the inlet manifold hissing noise and the exhaust manifold blowout are on the same side of the engine ie the cylinder closest to the bulk head. I really hope its not a cracked head causing both leaks.

Post Tue Mar 22, 2005 7:01 pm

Ive had bits of mayo around my oil filler cap, but it had been sleeping in the garage for a week or two. Started using it again and never seen any since!

Post Tue Mar 22, 2005 7:05 pm

Washed my engine down and i had condensation inside also.

Not to worry just yet,

Andrew

Post Tue Mar 22, 2005 7:30 pm

This was on the dipstick though? Just a couple of little deposits around the edge.

Post Tue Mar 22, 2005 11:30 pm

Adammcf wrote:This was on the dipstick though? Just a couple of little deposits around the edge.

Adam..
Alot of short journeys can cause this.. Change the oil & filter

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 8:19 am

I've had this around the very top of the dipstick over the colder months. Like has been said, lots of short trips when it's cold seem to cause this. Now it's warmed up all is peachy again.

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 8:27 am

Cool, this is the first time Ive heard of this happening. Maybe its something to do with the oil that the previous owners have used as it doesnt look too great.

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:03 pm

I get the same on mine mate, but quite a bit on the dipstick and onl ya lil' bit on the cap.

Like people said, short journeys do this, and thats what i do to work everyday as its only 5mins down the (60mph) road.

Adam

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:21 pm

The engine which I've just put into my touring had a bit of cream on the dipstick and a bit on the oil filler, no other signs of head damage..touchwood.

I changed the oil and filter yesterday, and will do it again in a thousand miles or so I think just to be safe......

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 6:51 pm

Cheers folks, I feel alot more at ease now.