Become discouraged

[Augustin]

Good evening,

I think i'm not very lucky with muy us car..
Today, i was checking the oil level. And when i removed the oil cap to put some oil, i saw that...
It's a pity ... I think it's not a good news (??) I bought my car 10 months ago...
I thinks it's an head gasket problem..isn't it ?
I'm become discouraged...i was so happy to have this car
Help please
Augustin

 

[Blk2kXLT]

Drop out the oil and check if it is intermixed. It can just be condensation but if you are having codes thrown then it could be an issue. I thought the 302 was a pretty robust motor.

 

[Turdle]

Could be normal, due to short trips in colder humid weather. If the engine temp does not reach over 190F degrees for at least a few minutes, the condensation will not evaporate out of the engine and may cause this. What does the oil on the dip stick look like?

 

[Augustin]

Thanks thanks a lot your guys !!
To bl2kxlt: what does mean "codes thrown" ?
To turdle : the oil seems good / i will take some pictures tomorrow..
Augustin

 

[manimal]

If you are able to build up that much condensation while running, you will want to make sure you are really reaching operating temperature, and make sure to hit the highway occasionally.

A compression test and test for exhaust/compression into cooling system (i.e. does cooling system frequently bubble into reservoir after warmed) should be carried out.

 

[Afrojoe]

Couldn't he just run up to operating temperature and see if it smokes white out the exhaust?

 

[J_C]

Is this something you know was not present when you bought it, or perhaps the seller just wiped what had built up, away? How long since the oil was changed?

Wipe the goop off. Change the oil if it's due. Drive it a little then check the oil on the dipstick.

 

[Ionizer]

With its unknown history I would send a sample of that oil off to Blackstone labs for analysis ($30). Kinda like doing lab work on yourself when you hit 40. If there are potential problems with the engine they will pick them up before you see them. If it's coolant they will tell you and you'll know within the week.

Next I would change the oil and run an AutoRX treatment with the change or add a quart off MMO marvel mystery oil to it. Run it hard and fast for 2000-3000 miles and change it again. Lubegard has a good quick engine flush as well but gunk like that doesn't accumulate in 10 min so I don't like to try to remove it in 10 min.

Maybe is just condensation on the top of the oil cap. Either way change the oil too see what's in there.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

I'm thinking condensation on the oil cap. The obvious question I have here is, are you loosing coolant?

 

[koda2000]

If you're not losing coolant, don't have any check engine codes, are reaching normal operating temp using a 190-192 degree thermostat. Take the truck for a minimum 30 min highway ride, then change the oil and filter. Use a decent filter brand (like Motorcraft) and a full synthetic oil (like Mobil 1 5W30). Wipe the goop off the oil cap and drive the truck normally, checking the cap every few days to see if the goop comes back.

As asked, do you make a lot of short trips where the oil isn't getting hot enough to burn off the moister from the oil? It takes about 20 mins of driving to burn off the moister in the oil by getting up to operating temp.

 

[Augustin]

Thanks for all answers..
My oil seems good and the level doesn't increase..
Actually, i make about 15 mn to go to work and same time for the return. Here, there is about 40 °F on the morning.
So...
what do you mean buy engine codes ? check engine on the dashboard ?
About the coolant, it's difficult to know because i have a small leak...

 

[J_C]

If you're losing coolant into the oil you will see it on the dipstick looking like a chocolate milkshake, and when you change the oil. Yes engine codes means OBDII codes that make your dash check engine light come on.

 

[Augustin]

So Yours guys, i've just seen a friend who is mechanic and was garage owner.
He checks oil, coolant, ...and told me everything was ok and could condensation as you supposed...
Thanks a lot !!

 

[Afrojoe]

Glad you got it figured out, Augustin. Just remember it's good to open her up every now and again and get her hot. It's also good to get into higher (but safe) RPMs to help clean out the Fuel Injectors every so often.