creamy coating at the end of the dipstick

[gopiqpp]

Hi, I checked my engine oil dipstick level this morning, as I do 2-3times a week, and for the first time noticed a creamy coating at the end of the dipstick; The oil filler cap too had some water condensation under it. Had an oilchange with new filter installed about 800 km ago.
Coolant level is full with no floating oil under the radiator cap.
Added 500 ml of Stop-Leak at the time of oil change.Could this have had anything to do with it, or is this going to be a major repair job?

Thanks
Gopi

[Archangel]

could be just condensation from the crankcase air, especially since you checked it in the morning when engine is stone cold

[gopiqpp]

OK.Thanks. I forgot to mention that I havent driven the car long distance for about 2 weeks now- just short 1/2 km trips to my clinic and back, and it is parked the whole day. Will a couple of long drives fix the problem and should I do an engine flush and oil change? A friend of mine suggested that this could be causing the problem 'cos the oil isnt getting hot on short hops , enough to boil off the water.He also said I should change a PCV because it is probably not working well in such an old car(1988 CP). Would he be right in this ? And where would this PCV valve be in my car ?

[LTDMan83]

Condensation.Change the oil and filter,and it should be fine after that.

Yes, If you haven't done so since you've had the car,definitely change the PCV Valve and Screen out for fresh ones.

The PCV valve is located on the Rear of your Lower Intake.Put your hand back behind the upper intake and feel for the large rubber hose,connected to the PCV Valve,pull up on the hose and the PCV valve should come out,probably with the Black Grommet Still attached.You can then pull it up to were you can get to it,and unscrew the hose clamp holding it in the hose,and replace it.

Next is the PCV Valve Screen.It is easiest to change out this screen with the upper intake removed.The PCV Screen is located under the PCV Valve's Black Grommet that may or may not have came out with the PCV Valve.If not pull the grommet out.Then take a 3in long wood screw or equivalent,and screw it down into the PCV Screen enough to where you have some grip to be able to pull it out.

You can then install the new Screen,Grommet,and PCV Valve,in that order.

[gopiqpp]

I will get the PCV valve done soon, Yesterday I took the car for a long drive, 240 kms round trip at 120km/hr, nonstop. Desert road, between two camps, no traffic lights anywhere ! Car behaved very well. Came back and parked, and checked this morning. No creamy stuff on the dipstick, and the inside of the Filler Cap was bone dry. Coolant and oil levels normal.I am happy.This week I will go into town and get the filter and oil and PCV Valve changed

[gadget73]

Probably just the short trips not getting the engine warm enough to remove condensation from the oil. The long trip likely cooked it out. Nothing to worry about.

New PCV valve is still a good idea though. its a commonly overlooked maintenence item on these cars.

[LTDMan83]

Yes, but there's not much point in changing that PCV Valve unless you also change the Clogged Screen that is under it.

[gadget73]

yeah, usually I replace all that stuff together because its all shot most of the time.

[gopiqpp]

Once the valve is out, and the grommet and screen, can the same grommet be used again with the new valve ? And I wish they had made it more accessible instead of sticking it so far back.

[Freshmeat]

I thought this thread was gonna be about something completely different.

[LTDMan83]

:lol:

Once the valve is out, and the grommet and screen, can the same grommet be used again with the new valve ? And I wish they had made it more accessible instead of sticking it so far back.

Yes, the same grommet can be used again, provided it has not been melted or deformed in any way.