KeyserWS6

So recently I got the "Low Oil" light I get every few tanks of fuel or so and went to add a quart of Mobil One. I added the oil and then when I went to put the cap back on I noticed a bunch of weird gunk under the oil cap:



I also noticed the oil smells very strongly of gasoline. Anyone have any ideas what this gunk might be or why the oil smells like gas? It's been several months since an oil change, but I don't do much driving (~30-40 miles per week). Am I looking at just an oil change or something more serious?

It's an '00 WS6 with 73k miles on the clock.

ex-SS-ve

iTrader: (9)

first and foremost do a cylinder leakdown check. then pressure test the cooling system. that looks like a symptom of a blown headgasket.

ryansm1

iTrader: (8)

I have seen this on a number of cars.

My guess is that it is the result of condensation formed when the oil is cool, being boiled off where it rises to the top of the engine. When the steam/water vapor cools, it mixes with the oil and turns to the same kind of sludge that results when you blow a head gasket (the coolant/oil coffee looking mess).

If your oil looks fine, you shouldn't have any problems.

CrabhartLS1

I came.

1FST-Z

iTrader: (6)

Ewwwww LOL

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

Drain the oil and see if any water comes out first. If not, what you're experiencing is typical on a vehicle that sees a lot of short trips where the oil doesn't get up to operating temperature.

Gripenfelter

iTrader: (1)

Thats quite a bit. Definitely coolant/water there. Clean it off and do an oil change. See if there is any coolant/water in the oil and see how fast it builds up on your oil cap again.

Also check to see if you can smell coolant from your exhaust.

slowmofo

iTrader: (6)

someone dumped vanilla pudding in your engine

99camarosupersport

iTrader: (6)

It should be fine, my SS did that. Seemed to be condensation mixed with oil to form that crap. BTW you should check your dipstick more often than to let the low light come on...

KeyserWS6

I'm hoping that's my problem since my driving habits definitely fit that description. My commute is like 2.5 miles each way (.75 of that is taxiing in/out of my apartment complex and parking structure at work), and it's pretty much all stop and go.

KeyserWS6

Thanks for the info.

I know I should be taking better care of her, and I plan to when I actually get into a house and have a damn garage to work out of. Our complex discourages us from working on our cars at all, and even frowns on popping the hood.

I hate California.

speedthrillsme

iTrader: (2)

During this time of year I get that. Must say I check my oil once a week though, so it never looks that bad. It really depends if you take a lot of short trips or you don't let the engine get up to running temp.

djsanchez2

iTrader: (14)

WTF?! Where else are you supposed to fix it? To hell with anyone telling me i can't work on my own car in my own living space. (even if i do rent)

Emerald Phoenix

iTrader: (2)

I've never seen it that bad from just quick-trip driving.

First off, is the car running well and idling smooth? If not then it's time to worry.

I second the notion to run a compression test. If one or two cylindars are losing compression then get out your tools and pull those heads because the gaskets are shot.

KeyserWS6

She gets up and goes pretty well when I get on it, but idle has been noticably rougher lately. I've had a longstanding issue with fouling plugs (they turn wet and black), and I'm sure that's not helping the situation. Maybe all these problems are related?

Amoretti

iTrader: (4)

I don't get why stuff like this gets posted in the lounge, and then doesn't get reverted to its porper forum.

will350wax

iTrader: (21)

i bet you dont have a factory pcv system do you?

KeyserWS6

I added a catch can to prevent sucking oil into the intake. Could that have anything to do with it?

Emerald Phoenix

iTrader: (2)

Yeah... Test your compression. Then you're gonna want to buy some headgaskets, radiator flush, engine flush, valve cover gaskets, plugs, oil, oil filter, and get to work changing those headgaskets.

The dire issue isn't your plugs or the fact that you're loosing compression; it's the fact that you're filling your crank-case with water, and that takes away the lubrication qualities of your oil.

In short, don't drive it anymore until you have it fixed.

fuseone

could just be condenstation because i know mine gets that when it gets cold out. but that looks a little much.