Engine goo???

[astraman]

Since buying a vauxhall astra whenever i take the oil cap off i notice a thick white goo around the cap.I have been told that this is natural on some cars but i am looking for some reassurance.The oil level is staying fine with no leaks,however i do a lot of short journeys and havent had a oil change yet.Should i get one or is there something more sinister at work?

[buildersmate]

Its oil emulsion - formed from the interaction of the oil with water. Water is a byproduct of combustion and of course there is water in the coolant system. Slight seepage from either of the areas of the engine into the oilways is how it gets there. Some is normal, lots means more water getting into the oil. Probably best to ask a mechanic familair with Astra quirts to give you an opinion.

[noxlumos]

Certainly it's not alwats the kiss of death with all cars, but it is a sign of your headgasket going if it's excessive.Get someone to have a look at it for you as if it is the headgasket going it'll only get worse and worse until one day it gives up the ghost altogether and cooks your engine.

[Andy Boz]

Short journeys mean the engine doesn't warm properly, condensation in the block, water + oil = mayonaisse. Would seek advice from proffessinal though, ask about a pressure test on the system. Check the water bottle (engine not wipers!) for mayo as well. Sounds like no great problem, but I would suggest taking the car for a decent run, motorway 30 miles or so each way, to give the engine chance to clear.

[Donquixote]

It's also quite common to find this 'gooo' at this time of the year, when the outside temperature is so low. Frost accumulates whilst the engine is left overnight, and this can cause the emulsification in your filler cap. However, it is a well known sign of head-gasket trouble, so i'd recommend having a professional look at it...it may take a pressure test to determine whether there is any true problem.

[ianess]

Worst case scenario....
Are you going through much coolant?
If you are, and chucking a lot of steam out of the exhaust, it could be the head gasket is blown. Can cost �250 upwards to fix if you're lucky enough not to have the engine go bang.
It is a possibility that the oil in the sump is floating on top of any water leaking in, so that may be why the dipstick level stays constant.

Best case scenario....as others have said, it may just be condensation if the motor never gets warmed up. An oil and filter change may be all that's needed.

Good luck.

[Toureman]

You don't give many details about your car but when I had an astra 1.6 GLS 1995 I had the same problem which was easily cured.

All year round I blanked off 30% of the radiator, in winter I blanked off 60%, most vehicles are over cooled especialy Astra's but just keep an eye on your tempature gauge if you get stuck in traffic or do fast Motorway journies. The thick goo will soon disappear.

I am sure you can disreguard all the doom ridden answers.

[thebhoy]

to and buy FORTE engine flush pop in in the the engine (where u put the oil in) and give the car a good long drive then get an oil change also check none of ur breather hoses arent split etc