White goop in my oil!!! HELP!!

[rip78sc]

OK, I just did my first oil change on my 78 911 SC (yes I'm a new owner) and when I took off the drain plug from the oil tank this white goop came out with the oil. What is this???? It looked like it was just a the bottom of the tank around the drain plug. The plug was caked with it ---- please tell me this is nothing to worry about!!!! Please!!!!

[tab tanner]

You have some water in your oil, Has the car been setting for a while?

[singpilot]

If you had not been heating the oil up above 200F (by only running the engine for short periods of time repeatedly), that would be moisture, maybe even water. The normally heated oil will evaporate the water/moisture, and sometimes even the residue will still be on the oil filler cap in the wintertime.

[rip78sc]

I don't think it was a daily driver but was ran regularly from what I was told - do you think it was just a way over due oil change??

[Joe Bob]

Mayonaise....go out and beat on the engine for a few hours in the twisties.....come back....if you care or remember, check it and it should be gone....enjoy yourself....

[rip78sc]

Thanks guys - I feel much better!!

[azasadny]

rip78sc,

That's "normal" for this time of year in MI. Take the car out and get in a good, spirited drive for at least an hour, get the engine to 190 degrees and see if the scum still appears...

[911pcars]

That crud is called sludge. It's a thick, mayonnaisey greasy mixture that contains water vapor and acids - retards heat transfer, attacks metal parts and could potentially block oil passages. It forms when the engine doesn't run at normal operating temperature often enough. When cold, water vapor from the combustion process gets into the oil. If the engine is continuously operated this way, the sludge will also cover all the engine parts, not just the bottom of the filler cap.

If you must operate the engine under these conditions, change the oil more often.

BTW, it's a good inspection point when shopping for a car.

Sherwood

[vash]

mayo causes heart disease! get out and flog your car a bit to clear your car arteries!

[no substitute]

Add fava beans and enjoy with a fine Chianti.

[Padrino]

first time P-car buyer? Did you check your radiator?

[toolman]

Where are you at in Michigan? We might be able to start Michigan Mafia!

[azasadny]

Toolman,
I was driving from Wyandotte to Ann Arbor and back today and didn't see any other Porsches! We need to get the "mafia" together and go for some drives!!

[jmarenas]

I logged around 130 Miles this weekend just in Oakland county. Damn Pot Holes every where! MI roads Suck! Oh well, enjoyed the P-car!

[rip78sc]

I'm kickin in Flint town but work in Auburn Hills - good drive when the weather is nice, pot holes filled, etc - Go MM (Michigan Mafia)

[limble]

This is why I always take the longest route possible.