Thought I would run the car up for a little while as it has not been run for a few weeks.

After about 20 minutes or so I did the obligatory fluid checks etc'

On removal of the oil filler cap I noticed what can only be described as a milky white deposit on the underside of the cap.

Is this normal due to the fact that she has been standing?

condensation bud...normal iff its been running not up to temp a couple of times

just to be safe keep an eye on that ... all so just check your Rad water is not Oil stained as well

My mrs car does this as she never drives it more than a mile. I wouldn't worry too much, will likely clear after a run.

My mrs car does this as she never drives it more than a mile. I wouldn't worry too much, will likely clear after a run.

 

My thoughts too; as Znut says, it's most likely condensation.....

 

....But if you want peace of mind, like Mark suggests, check your coolant for oil traces as well. If the car is not overheating or losing fluids, there's nothing to worry about!! Just clean the oil-cap and drive your ZX over a few longer journeys!!

 

Richard:cool:

Cheers guys for the feedback.

I will leave her running a little more today and see what happens.

I will also check the water for contamination later as Mark suggests.

 

One thing I have noticed, (not sure if it is relevant) is the filler cap has a small crack in it across the centre, and when she is running I can see oil being pushed out.

Albeit it very very slight.

 

Also, thought I would take a couple of photos inside the filler neck as well. looks like the milky stuff is just confined to the cap.

Best get a new cap then,you`d be suprised at where water/condenstation can get to

leaving it running longer will not clear the water contamination as a result of condesatation...it wants a good 20 mile plus run to clear the sump. The filler cap should not be pushing oil through a crack on idle as the sump and covers should be in vacume..check your PCV valves arnt "gummed" up

Agreed you have to drive it, get it properly warm and under load, you shouldn't let your engine warm up sat still anyways it isn't the best for it. Is it road legal ATM?

leaving it running longer will not clear the water contamination as a result of condensation...it wants a good 20 mile plus run to clear the sump. The filler cap should not be pushing oil through a crack on idle as the sump and covers should be in vacuum..check your PCV valves arnt "gummed" up

 

Cheers znut,

It's not a great deal of oil pushing through, but definitely coming through the crack. As for PCV valves, I changed them less than 100 miles ago.

I must be getting positive pressure somehow.

There should be no positive pressure at idle check your boost gauge is at a vacuum reading.

Agreed you have to drive it, get it properly warm and under load, you shouldn't let your engine warm up sat still anyways it isn't the best for it. Is it road legal ATM?

 

z32bolt,

Unfortunately the car is SORN at the moment so I am unable to give her a good run.

Best not run her at all maybe?

Not really sure what is best as the car is in storage for 6 month of the year. It's the only chance I get to do repair work etc'

 

cheers guys

Letting it sit an idle once a week or whatever probably won't help at all. Either store it away safely or drive it throughout.

Yeah if you are worried about it sitting still it is best to leave it be for 6 months which a battery trickle charge and then just replace the oil before taking it back on the road as starting it up every now and then only builds more condensation apparently.

There should be no positive pressure at idle check your boost gauge is at a vacuum reading.

 

When ever she is running at idle I have had the vacuum virtually all the way over to the left.

Maybe the oil leakage is happening due to me revving the engine a few time once warm?

When ever she is running at idle I have had the vacuum virtually all the way over to the left.

Maybe the oil leakage is happening due to me revving the engine a few time once warm?

 

we need the info at the start:2guns: LOL....the cam lobs really throw oil at rpm,s so this will be it. Get yourself another oil cap.

we need the info at the start:2guns: LOL....the cam lobs really throw oil at rpm,s so this will be it. Get yourself another oil cap.

 

Kids these days....lol

Kids these days....lol

 

:rofl::rofl:

dont want to say it cas i hate it but i recon u got a head gasget gone. only slight one but all the same its there. i work away for three weeks away at a time so my car seats there. i always check the oil and the cap when im home i also have had my car of the road for years and left the car for 6 months 1 month and in winter and summer. run the car and reved it and sometimes left to up to temp but never had that that said ive never had a craked oil cap either. im just saying ive had a head gasget go on three different cars over the years and it just looks like and sounds like now go and do the smell test as well. even i hope im wrong.

we need the info at the start:2guns: LOL....the cam lobs really throw oil at rpm,s so this will be it. Get yourself another oil cap.

 

Doh! Sorreeeeeeey. Lol

:rofl::rofl:

 

Tbf I think he is older than me ha

Yeah, in 6 months time I will be closer to 60 than 50! Oh no!

Mind you, I am still a daft 18 year old in my head though! lol

60 before I'm 30 then :D

Ouch! lol

Lol it's ok I've got 35 years of mortgauge payments left as well, so look on the bright side.

So have I. lol.

I lied about my age.

That will teach them to miss sell me PPI. lol

Only 3 years really.

Maybe then I will be able to lavish some goodies on the Zed.