I was prepping for a trip down into the SanRafael swell this weekend and checked the engine oil. Little low so I decided to top her off. When I pulled the oil filler cap there was a reddish rust color film on the underside of the oil filler cap. This is the first time I've had to top off the oil since I changed it in May of 2008 about a 1000 miles ago. I cant say how long or if its always been like this. Is this a sign of a head gasket issue or just condensation. What do I need to check to verify I dont have an issue?
Rust color on the oil cap?
- Thread starter CarbonCruiser
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Do a vacuum check. MIke
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Mike,
Can you elaborate a little on this? Vacuum check on the head? What will it tell me?
If you look at the faq s I think you will find our post on how to use a vacuum gauge.This is prob. the best used gauge for finding engine problems.Id get a gauge at Napa,There seems to be no consensus on the best gauge.The articles are excellent,and lengthy. Mike
i sucked water into my air intake while driving through flood waters recently. i didn't even realize it til things sounded odd under the hood. i took off the valve cover and found that orange rusty stuff on the area around number five. i flushed the engine with engine cleaner twice, took off the rocker arm assembly and cleaned it thoroughly. reasembled, added oil, and it's been good ever since.
short answer...i think it's water mixing with oil.
not positive though.
short answer...i think it's water mixing with oil.
not positive though.
Well its seems you dont drive it much if you put 1000 miles on it when you changed the oil last. I bet just over the course of the winter you just got condensation which to a degree is normal ....within reason. Do not jump to conclusion....run around check all the gaskets.....flush the oil then keep your eye on it
rchalmers3
I speak Toyota
X2 on condensation, possibly from low usage.
After changing the oil, take it on a long drive to heat and stir things. Heating up the motor and running it for an hour or more at operating temperature will give the motor a chance to vaporize condensation and suck it into the PCV system for burning.
Clean out the bottom of the cap and cross your fingers the yuck doesn't return.
Rick
After changing the oil, take it on a long drive to heat and stir things. Heating up the motor and running it for an hour or more at operating temperature will give the motor a chance to vaporize condensation and suck it into the PCV system for burning.
Clean out the bottom of the cap and cross your fingers the yuck doesn't return.
Rick
