Head gasket? thin layer of white oil on oil cap?

Question

i have a p reg 1.2 corsa thats done 60 000 miles, i am getting a fine layer of white oil on the oil cap after around 10 minutes of starting the car then when the engine gets hot it turns back to the normal colour this happens every time im driving for a short journry when starting from cold but when warmed up i cant see anything wrong. this is the only symptom im getting, can any1 help?

Answer 1

Not necessarily a blown head gasket based on this single symptom - could just be condensation in the engine.

Check:

a) look at the oil on the dipstick - does it look 'normal' or does it look as is there is water in the oil?

b) the coolant water level. Are you using water?

c) is the engine misfiring at all?

d) are there any oil/water leaks showing on the engine block around the head gasket?

e) if you leave the radiator cap off and start the engine can you see bubbles in the coolant water?

If none of the above then it may just be that your engine is getting 'tired'.

Answer 2

It sounds like condensation as it disappears as the engine warms up.  If you do quite a lot of short journeys then I advise the you have the oil and filter changed more regular.  Other than that I would not worry unless other symptoms appear.

Answer 3

this can occur from condensation in the engine which can happen when a car is only driven short distances or in a cold environment the engine heating up is evaporating the moisture in the crank case so your oil will return to its original colour. are you losing coolant, does your engine run rough on start up, is it running hotter than normal, these are also some symptoms of a blown head.

Answer 4

you might have a head gasket leak but if it disappears after starting then I would say it's just condensation if you have no oil in the water or no water in the oil then that is what I would guess, if the oil is milky looking then it's a head gasket, if it looks normal then loosen the oil plug and unscrew and see if any water comes out don't pull it all the way out, if no water comes out then your ok, you are experiencing ethanol burning and condensing.

Answer 5

as well as the above...it could be PTFE residue caused by oil additives,you know, the ones that make your engine super slippery

Answer 6

Sounds normal. Have an oil change done if you are really concerned, unlikely to be a gasket.

Answer 7

It's a water/oil emulsion, probably due to a small leak or condensation

Answer 8

Replace the pcv valve and change your oil regulary. It is just condensation not antifreeze. Are you a short trip driver? That can cause that condensation cause the engine doesn't get hot enough for a long period of time. Take a long trip to the country and pick some apples...At least 2 hours.

Answer 9

some water in oil normal...condensation...when hot the water evaporates...unless you get oil in coolant too don't worry

Answer 10

not the gasket...its just condensation...caused by short journeys....nowt to worry about.

Answer 11

Water is mixing with the oil.  The head gasket could have blown.

Answer 12

Could be head gasket but I believe that if it dissipates after driving for awhile it could just be a heavy build up of condensation.  If it goes away after engine is warm. I would defiantly keep an eye on it. Keep checking the coolant every morning before driving. Keep watching the temp. gage. If it gets worse then I would defiantly take it to the repair shop.

Answer 13

this is quite normal, caused by condensation,usually worse on engines with tin rocker covers, ( cold air passing over warm engine)..