traces of texas

Hey Guys, First off, great forum. I am really glad to have found it. Second: I have a 2000 F-150 with 115k miles on it. It has the six cylinder motor and a standard transmission. I've had it since it was new and always taken care of it. Runs great. I checked my oil this morning and the oil on the dipstick looks absolutely fine. However, there is a frothy whitish "goo" on the oil cap. Any ideas what this means? I'm thinking head gasket, which sucks because that is something that I can't repair myself. But are there any other less expensive possibilities? As I say, the truck is running great. No telling how long it's been like this as I usually don't check the oil cap when I check the oil. Thanks! TOT

97madness

both of my 97's do this. But run like champs. My mechanics said its from condensation build up on the cap. I trust he knows what hes sayin. But lets see what others have to say.

traces of texas

Hmmm .... well, come to think of it, it has been rather cold, misty and rainy here in Austin over the last few weeks.

Is there any relatively easy way to tell whether this is just condensation and not coolant leaking into the oil?

tan_1

If you pull the oil drain plug for a second all the water or coolant in the oil will come out first, it settles to the bottom. I say don't worry my 03 4.6 does this too it is just normal condensation.

texasedition

It is nothing major. If you notice after long periods without rain the build up won't even be there. If coolant was leaking into the oil, mostly likely your truck would idle rough. second the coolant in your resovoir tank, or in your oil pan would look like clam chowder.

strooper

if you do a lot of short trips just around town you will notice alot of that white stuff, its just from condisation from short trips and your engine not warming up enough

MI-F150

My 98 with the 5.4 does it. More in the winter, very little in the summer. I have 226,000 mi. I wouldn't worry.

traces of texas

Thanks, guys. I feel SO much better. So ... if I haul off and drive it 150 miles or so that stuff should disappear?

tan_1

May not completely disappear but should be greatly reduced