This may be obvious to some
#1
Not A Mechanic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bowmansville PA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This may be obvious to some
Im certainly no mechanic...But Ive encountered the dreaded white gunky oil cap before many years ago on another vehicle. The other day I wanted to top off my oil and low and behold I removed the cap on my 94' 5.0L XLT and there it was on the inside of my cap...So I checked the expansion tank and ugh!!!....nearly bone dry, with an oily residue look to it. My concerns turned to horror as I realized I probably have a BIG(and expensive) problem on my hands. What I find funny is when I check my oil with the stick...The oil looks like any other used motor oil with no white gunk to it at all. Im going to drop the plug on Friday at work and see what comes out. I know I have an internal leak somewhere in the engine(headgasket) atleast I think I do...Im afraid to drive it in case I trash my engine. I guess my question to you all would be..Why does my temp gauge read normal(consistantly at the same level) after warm up and the engine seems to run just as smooth as it did 2 months ago...or any other month for that matter? Heat works great too! Also...no external leaks to be found. I fear the worse but I need the vehicle to get me back and forth to work. Any suggestion are greatly appreciated in advance....Sorry for the long post...but I'm in dire need of some advice here.
#2
Springer Spaniels Rule
Try to flush the system, clean the tank, change the oil, and see what happens, also might be an intake gasket, head gasket might be leaking in the coolant, try to fill the radiator, start the truck, with the pressure off the cap, and watch for any bubbles. As far as the heat, the engine will run normal temp if the thermostat is working properly regardless if there is a leak.
#3
Senior Member
The white gunk on the bottom of the oil cap could just be condensation. Check your pvc system to make sure that it is functioning properly. The oily residue on your cooling tank could be from old antifreeze. What does the coolant in your radiator look like?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Long Beach Calimexifornia
Posts: 58,557
Received 1,162 Likes
on
647 Posts
you know for sure what the problem is, you might not want to pop for the extra expense.
#5
Hi-Rev Motorsports
On Fords this is common...moisture in the crankase will cause this...the PCV can pull outside air with moisture in it inside the system and this is what causes the moisture...