Normal oil build up?

[ChrisQP09]

Done my routine monthly check of fluids (coolant, oil etc) this morning with the car being absolutely frozen during the -2/3 temps. The coolant is being consumed at a rate faster than I would prefer but no issues with engine temps etc, so topped it up 1 ltr.

My main concern is a thickening of oil on the oil cap and a little on the inside too as pictured. I first checked it this morning after letting the engine tick over for 5 mins until it was warm-is (40c).

I'm well aware from owning Range Rovers etc that this can be a sign of head gasket issues but everything is running perfectly, no funny sounds, performance etc.

Is this in anyway normal with colder environmental temperatures etc? any advice welcome guys.

EDIT: OIL DIPSTICK COLOUR AND CONSISTENCY WAS PERFECT.

 

[CatmanV2]

I'm sure the experts will be along shortly, but that wouldn't concern me unduly. I'd imagine it's condensation causing a small amount of emulsion

C

 

[ChrisQP09]

I'm sure the experts will be along shortly, but that wouldn't concern me unduly. I'd imagine it's condensation causing a small amount of emulsion

C

Hopefully, then again it seems like there could be a relationship with the consumption of coolant and the appearance of the oil? Again no adverse signs of anything untoward.

 

[CatmanV2]

Hopefully, then again it seems like there could be a relationship with the consumption of coolant and the appearance of the oil? Again no adverse signs of anything untoward.

I've had plenty of cars where the coolant level dropped. Unless the oil level goes up at the same rate.....

My GT had a split in the seam of the coolant header. It's quite common, but you could only tell at working temp and pressure. So took a while to work out

C

 

[Oneball]

Don’t want to be a doom metal Nigeria but coolant level drop of that quantity and that in the rocker cover would worry me. I’d put good money on you having an issue. Might not be head gasket as I think the QP has an oil to water cooler.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Don’t want to be a doom metal Nigeria but coolant level drop of that quantity and that in the rocker cover would worry me. I’d put good money on you having an issue. Might not be head gasket as I think the QP has an oil to water cooler.

How would I know more in the meanwhile? Not going to get the car looked at for at least a week. Is it ok to drive it 100 mile to md?

 

[Oneball]

How would I know more in the meanwhile? Not going to get the car looked at for at least a week. Is it ok to drive it 100 mile to md?

Bloody spell check, no idea why it’s all doom in Nigeria!

You can get a sniffer from motor factors that will test for exhaust gas in the coolant but I’ve never used one.

I’d clean the gunk out of rocker cover as best you can. Record the level of the coolant and see what it’s like after a longish drive so it’s properly warm

 

[ChrisQP09]

Just dont want to over diagnose and send to MD at small fortune

 

[MC_Bob]

Over what period was a liter lost?

Unless your working that engine to operating temperatures regularly, you will get condensation at the top.

Eye up all the coolant hoses and hope its seperate issues. FWIW, header tanks are prone to splitting underneath where you cant see them, mine did.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Over what period was a liter lost?

Unless your working that engine to operating temperatures regularly, you will get condensation at the top.

Eye up all the coolant hoses and hope its seperate issues. FWIW, header tanks are prone to splitting underneath where you cant see them, mine did.

Liter lost probably over last few months. Car is run on average few hundred mile every 3-4 weeks. Started every other day for 5 minutes.

How probable is it that nothing is wrong and worst case what sort of bill are we talking with possible man hours to diagnose etc

 

[Gazcw]

Liter lost probably over last few months. Car is run on average few hundred mile every 3-4 weeks. Started every other day for 5 minutes.

How probable is it that nothing is wrong and worst case what sort of bill are we talking with possible man hours to diagnose etc

I think running for 5 minutes is your problem with the oil. Many believe this is more damaging than not running for longer periods which makes sense with condensation build up and not being hot enough to dry up. For the coolant I would be checking the tank as previous comments.

 

[Oneball]

That regular running for 5 minutes only will give you a lot of condensation.

Still think you’ve got a coolant leak somewhere though. Have a check over hoses, tanks, rad etc.

 

[ChrisQP09]

I

I think running for 5 minutes is your problem with the oil. Many believe this is more damaging than not running for longer periods which makes sense with condensation build up and not being hot enough to dry up. For the coolant I would be checking the tank as previous comments.

If this is the issue, is it irreversible or can it be corrected by leaving it for longer periods?

 

[ChrisQP09]

That regular running for 5 minutes only will give you a lot of condensation.

Still think you’ve got a coolant leak somewhere though. Have a check over hoses, tanks, rad etc.

Best to check while running?

 

[Oneball]

Best to check while running?

Get it warm turn it off leave it to cool a little so you don’t burn yourself then have a good nosey. Coolant doesn’t evaporate like plain water so it’s usually noticeable if it’s somewhere you can see. It’s unlikely to be a big puddle but just a drop on a hose might indicate where it’s from.

I’m not suggesting drinking the stuff but coolant tastes slightly sweet.

 

[CatmanV2]

Only found my leak by hearing it.

C

 

[azapa]

Get it warm turn it off leave it to cool a little so you don’t burn yourself then have a good nosey. Coolant doesn’t evaporate like plain water so it’s usually noticeable if it’s somewhere you can see. It’s unlikely to be a big puddle but just a drop on a hose might indicate where it’s from.

I’m not suggesting drinking the stuff but coolant tastes slightly sweet.

You will definitely smell the coolant, that sweetness the poster above mentions. It is quite a distinct smell

 

[philw696]

What you need to do is get the cooling system pressure tested as that will show the weakness.
Which will be coolant tank or the small hose over the rear of the engine by bell housing.

Running the engine for 5 minutes will cause condensation as it will just not get up to temperature.

 

[Wanderer]

I had some gunk on the dipstick cap, not much but car had been fairly unused and even when used only for short journeys and at low ambient temps. No coolant or oil loss, 2k old oil on dipstick nice and black so I wasn't too worried, spoke my garage-guy, he said don't worry, take it for a blast, it's condensation. As I was due trip home Dublin to Wakey next day, that was my blast, 190 miles or so car was faultless as usual (touching wood now, no, not my p3nis you dirty beggars!) checked as soon as I got there, perfect, no gunk at all.

 

[philw696]

Exactly Wanderer if no issue with cooling system and just condensation in the top of engine a good drive will soon get rid of the condensation.
These are big V8 motors with a lot going on so short runs not getting up to full operating temperature does them no good.
Coolant will get to temp fairly quickly but oil takes a lot longer.