Oil Filler Moisture- Yellow Gunk

[Hayabusa]

Today I thought I would take a mellow cruise in the turbo around town with my girl. After filling the ever thirsty fuel tank I went to check the oil level.

When I removed the filler cap I saw something that kind of startled me. The dip stick and the inside of the neck was completely lined with a thick yellow gunk. I immediately knew there was moisture that had mixed with oil but I couldn't figure out how that had happened?

I'm sure you senior members know exactly what has caused this,,, can you please let know what is going on and what $$$$ I am looking at to correct it? I remember wiping it away once before but this time it was much worse.

Thanks in advance.

[AirCooledExcellence]

Hi Chris,

Nothing to worry about!

It's just condensation, usually due to frequent short journeys and the cold weather doesn't help either.

My SC was the same, as is my 930.

Cheers,

Tim.

[Nickatnyt]

Happened to me too. P-car mechanic said the same thing that Tim did.

[jevvy]

Cylinder head gasket - got to be!

EDIT - sorry thats cruel, just got to drive it for longer and harder!

[strupgolf]

I looked at mine yesterday and also found the same condition. I had some water droplets on the end of the dipstick, and some yellowish foamy stuff around the inside of the filler neck. This after about an hour drive. Im glad to hear this is normal, because the car runs great, even though its time for a oil change.

[kees]

It's called "white sludge"and it is an emulsion (water/oil).

short trips / cold weather / boxer motor

Kees.

[Quicksilver]

Originally posted by kees
It's called "white sludge"and it is an emulsion (water/oil).

short trips / cold weather / boxer motor

Kees.

It happens on V8s too. You just need to get it warm enough that the moisture will boil out.

If you don't get it boiled out it increases the speed that the oil will oxidize and form acid compounds.

So....

SAVE YOUR CAR!!! Go drive it really hard for a long time.
(It is sitting there just begging to be spanked!!!)

[Wil Ferch]

(quote)...So....SAVE YOUR CAR!!! Go drive it really hard for a long time.
===================================

Truer words have not been spoken as it relates to the yellow gunk....at least get it up to temp for *each* drive. Forget those 5 min spurts to get bread at the corner market...at least not with the 911.

- Wil

[911pcars]

Sludge will also tend to block oil passages and orifices.

Change oil more often or operate engine to full temperature.

Sherwood

[Hayabusa]

Thanks all for the responces.

Seattle's rainy season dictates how much I can actually take 'er out. Sad, I know.

I suppose an oil change would probably be a good idea. I've only put 1400 miles on it since I got it.

Besides, I have to be somewhat reserved on it. I've got three broken head studs. I want boost, but I recognize I have to be somewhat reserved.

I've become very good at cleaning the oil residuals off and waxing the tail section every time I come back from a trip.

The little 3.0 liter's got to come out and I've barely gotten to know 'er!

Believe me, when I get settled in those sports seats, going to the store to get milk is only an excuse to go on a road trip!

[911pcars]

As opposed to a "regular" car w/a mere 4 quarts, bringing 10-12 quarts of oil up to op. temperature can take more than a few miles of driving.... but it doesn't have to be on boost - for that purpose anyway.

Sherwood

[Hayabusa]

Originally posted by 911pcars
Sludge will also tend to block oil passages and orifices.

Change oil more often or operate engine to full temperature.

Sherwood, does this sludge necessarily mean that the engine has build up in oil passage ways? Only 32.4k on the clock. 1400 since last change.

[Dantilla]

On my airplane, after every flight I open the oil cap a bit to let condensation out. Visable steam for a minute or two.

[tabs]

This is why I keep testing the equipment daily so that my dipstick doesn't fill up with yellow gunk!

[911pcars]

"...does this sludge necessarily mean that the engine has build up in oil passage ways? Only 32.4k on the clock. 1400 since last change."

If you regularly run the engine up to normal operating temperature and also drain oil when it's hot, that'll minimize sludge buildup. If you don't warm up the engine, the detergents in the oil will help minimize sludge formation, but you'll also need to change oil more frequently.

Sherwood

[Hayabusa]

What IS the standard for oil changes? With this sludge build up and my notable leaks from the undercarriage should I maybe stick to a 3000 mile interval or maybe change now and try to clear out some of the possible mess now?

Could I expect additional sludge accumulations in the reservoir?

[Hayabusa]

I mean, in other words, should I look to possibly removing the res and cleaning it out or is the sludge just on the neck?

[911pcars]

Normal change intervals could be at 6000-10,000 miile intervals.

If you seldom warm up the engine when driving, I'd suggest every 3000 miles or every 6 months.

Sherwood

[tabs]

Originally posted by 911pcars
every 6 months.

Sherwood

Gawd I'd be a nervous wreck if I only changed my lubrication every 6 months....Sherwood how do U do it...U must be a better man than me to be that disciplened.

[randywebb]

There are very few water molecules in SoCal where Sherwood lives. You would probably have to go around with a moose call just to round up a dozen of them...

So... less gunk in the oil.