Concern about my coolant

[Imaginary Friend]

I found this under the oil filler cap yesterday when I changed my oil.

So several people said check my coolant level... That’s when I noticed the reservoir. But none of that stuff under the oil cap was on the dipstick or in any of the oil that drained. Vehicle hasn’t been missing or running hotter than normal.

Do you do a lot of short trips? If the engine doesn't reach full operating temp consistently to burn it off, moisture buildup mixed with oil vapor can build up on an oil cap like that. I've seen it many times.

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[mikec426]

Do you do a lot of short trips? If the engine doesn't reach full operating temp consistently to burn it off, moisture buildup mixed with oil vapor can build up on an oil cap like that. I've seen it many times.

I’m hearing that more and more.

Yeah, my trips to work are probably less than 15 minutes so…

 

[Imaginary Friend]

I’m hearing that more and more.

Yeah, my trips to work are probably less than 15 minutes so…

That'll do it.

 

[KABQ]

I’m hearing that more and more.

Yeah, my trips to work are probably less than 15 minutes so…

Oh man I thought you were joking. But since you're not I'd say take it on a really long drive and get it into the boost. If you live somewhere humid and don't drive much you can get enough moisture in the oil to do this, and the way to get rid of it is change your oil (best) or get the oil hot enough for long enough to evaporate the moisture.

Hopefully you don't have any of the other really bad causes of milkshake...

 

[mikec426]

Why would I be joking? Is this one of those relatively normal things that I’ve managed to miss in 30+ years of dealing with cars & trucks?!

(Not mad, just feel surprised and a little dumb. I appreciate the reply).

 

[RIDE]

So this isn’t good?

I found this under the oil filler cap yesterday when I changed my oil.

So several people said check my coolant level... That’s when I noticed the reservoir. But none of that stuff under the oil cap was on the dipstick or in any of the oil that drained. Vehicle hasn’t been missing or running hotter than normal.

I wouldn’t like anything I see there. If your coolant has oil at all is cause for concern, but if additionally your oil has milkshake appearance I’d get it to your dealer asap before it takes your motor out. I don’t live in humidity dunno how much condensation may accrue in a crankcase but can’t imagine there’d be enough to foam your oil. Either way, humidity doesn’t account for oil film in your radiator.
I don’t think I’d recommend a long drive to figure that out. Upside mite be it’s condensation and once burned off your fine. Downside tho is your head gasket is bad or block is cracked and a long drive exasperates wear on all moving metal surfaces in the engine. If so and your dealer replaces engine under warranty, maybe your only out the shop time they have your car (likely extensive). However if they fix it w/o engine replacement, you’ll be in that purgatory of not knowing how much wear has occurred and how much life expectancy it’s taken off your engine.

 

[catbus16]

Hello! Send us a private message with your VIN and current mileage. Allow me to see what I can do to assist. Thanks!

Hi! I don’t see the option to send direct message to you.

 

[Ducati1098]

Hi! I don’t see the option to send direct message to you.

You can’t. They don’t monitor this forum anymore. They wouldn’t be any help regardless.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/ford-motor-company-announcement.106495/

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