whitish stuff under oil cap

Citizen Jake

I've read here before that if you notice any white or yellow scum underneath your oil cap that it's a sign the head gasket's in trouble. Topping up the oil at the weekend I noticed there was indeed a small build-up of white stuff under the oil cap. My girlfriend's father noticed it and said "you may be looking at getting a new car" and mentioned the back burner may be gone.

Does this indeed indicate a head gasket problem or is it just condensation?
If I act now can I get it fixed and if so for how much?

The car's a 99 Hyundai with 87k on the clock. She's a good car and I was hoping to keep her for a few years yet. Any ideas?

crosstownk

It could simply be condensation - especially if the car only does short runs. Dip the oil - if it has the white scum then you may be in a bit of trouble. Does the coolant level drop regularly? When the engine is hot is the exhaust 'steamy'?

No idea what a back burner is on a Hyundai - or any other car?

Guy:Incognito

crosstownk wrote:

No idea what a back burner is on a Hyundai - or any other car?

Isn't it what heats the water for he bath?

crosstownk

Stekelly wrote:

Isn't it what heats the water for he bath?

Nope - thats a back boiler AFAIK!!!

Citizen Jake

The oil was just low and no white stuff on dipper. A little smoke coming from place you put in the oil. Took a full quart of oil. Been full since. Still coolant in the tank so no sign of leakage. Can't say I do many short runs, mind you the morning I checked it I had done a short run alright. The car drives fine and temperature never rises above half way.

BrianD3

Citizen Jake wrote:

I've read here before that if you notice any white or yellow scum underneath your oil cap that it's a sign the head gasket's in trouble. Topping up the oil at the weekend I noticed there was indeed a small build-up of white stuff under the oil cap. My girlfriend's father noticed it and said "you may be looking at getting a new car" and mentioned the back burner may be gone.

This question is asked so often that it should be made into a sticky.
a) 99% of the time when you see white or yellow mayonaisse under the filler cap, it's due to condensation and the head gasket is fine
b) if your HG was gone you would likely notice other symptoms (eg the car overheating or using coolant)
c) your g/fs da sounds like he hasn't got a clue

crosstownk

Citizen Jake wrote:

A little smoke coming from place you put in the oil.

I'd be inclined to think it may just be condensation. Clean it off and see if it reappears. Keep an eye on the oil level/quality and coolant level/temp for a while until your confident that all is well.

Seth Brundle

I would imagine that it is condensation - take the car for a good decent run (>50kms)

crosstownk

BrianD3 wrote:

c) your g/fs da sounds like he hasn't got a clue

Or else he's pulling your leg!!!

Citizen Jake

Thanks guys, will assume its condensation for now. Will probably ring mechanic (he can be trusted) over the next fortnight. Had it serviced about three months back.

gearoidf

Im experiencing overheating with my car as well, starlet. Looks like oil in the coolant. It just started happening yesterday. Is this a sign of the head gasket going? Anyone know of any good mechanics in Cork who might fix this for a reasonable price?

cargrouch

Citizen Jake wrote:

The oil was just low and no white stuff on dipper. A little smoke coming from place you put in the oil. Took a full quart of oil. Been full since.

A little smoke? How long did you leave for the engine to cool and the oil to drain before dipping?

Citizen Jake

Pretty much straight away. Why, how long should I have left it?

Seth Brundle

Citizen Jake wrote:

Pretty much straight away. Why, how long should I have left it?

~10 minutes
When you stop the engine there is oil all around the engine. This will flow back to the sump over a few minutes. If you read the dipstick straight away you get a low reading as oil is all round the engine.
Check your engine oil level - it may be too full, which can also cause damage.

Citizen Jake

Just checked oil and its only about a milimetre or two over 'full'. Is that over enough to be concerned about?

Seth Brundle

I reckon it should be fine.

Citizen Jake

Cool, she's been driving fine all week. I'll just make sure to keep an eye on the oil level (when the engine's cooled of course). Jake