White Sludge in Oil Cap

[GoldenBullet]

Hi all, checked my oil today and found this under the cap and a tiny bit of the same above the oil level on the dipstick:




I changed the oil about 1000 miles ago, its Pennzoil Platinum I believe. I drive roughly 2 miles to work each way, so the engine usually does not get up to full operating temp for very long if at all depending on the weather. A quick google search suggests it is likely condensation however I don't know very much at all about this engine, so I have no idea if a head gasket or intake gasket could be a likely culprit. The coolant level has never changed and the car has never overheated.

The car is the '02 Mazda in my sig, 2.0L.


How concerned should I be?

[PLAGUE PHANTOM]

Its probably just condensation. If your coolant level hasn't changed then I wouldn't worry

[RJolly87]

I would definitely get it up to temp and go for a drive to get that crap out of there. Does it smell like coolant?

[GoldenBullet]

I would definitely get it up to temp and go for a drive to get that crap out of there. Does it smell like coolant?

No, just smells like oil. I am going on a ~300 mile road trip tomorrow so that should clear everything out.

[BonneMe]

Many cars do this in MN in the winter on short trips. The only two "solutions" are to drive it up to temp for a long time, or taking the cap off when you park to let out condensation.

[CMNTMXR57]

Is you oil really that dirty in 1,000 miles (looking at the oil on the threads of the cap)?

But yes, most likely just condensation. I bet you're getting it up to full temp, just that it is sooo cold up there...