ON A TRIP NEED HELP. Not broke down yet...

[acneil]

So I just drove my 2000 C4 from Seattle to Reno.

(it has 51000 miles on it)

When I got to Reno I see oily stuff (like a baked on oil) on the front wheels, some on the rear wheels and all over the exhaust pipes. Under the engine is dry, under the radiators is dry. All dry, no puddle, no leaks.

Check oil level and its a quart low. (Not too big of news, the RMS drips once and a while.)

As I go to add my quart I pull the filler cap and there is the scary white froth from water mixing with oil there. I can see water droplets too. But the water looks clear not green. And the froth doesnt extend down the filler tube more than 2 inches. O ring looks god on the cap, perhaps carwash water is getting past the filler cap?

Chk the coolant level and its vitually empty in the bottle. Havent put more in yet, dont know how low it is.

Summary:

Changed my oil in Seattle, maybe half a quart too high.

Drove to Reno

Weird residue on wheels and exhaust

Oil quart low

Coolant low

Froth under filler cap

Mild Negative Pressure under Oil cap

Got to keep moving on my trip tomorrow morning.

Help Please.

Art

Edited October 6, 2008 by acneil

[wvicary]

The froth in the oil fill tube/cap might just be condensation which is normal. You'll also have a vacuum created at the oil cap if removed when the engine is running. Check the coolant level when the engine has cooled. I've no idea about the residue.

[acneil]

The froth in the oil fill tube/cap might just be condensation which is normal. You'll also have a vacuum created at the oil cap if removed when the engine is running. Check the coolant level when the engine has cooled. I've no idea about the residue.

Took about a quart of coolant. Still frothy in the oil fill tube. That cant be good. But it has been in Washington, maybe it is all condensation. There is no froth on the dipstick.

[desertcayenne]

Hi The froth in the oil filler tube is ok, its condensation which mixes with the oil mist. It only forms around the top of the tube. Only be concerned if there is oil in the coolant, check that when the cars cold. The oil consumption is recommended at about 1 litre per 1000km, check your owners manual. A quart doesnt sound too bad at all. Check the brake fluid level (front of the car), how do the brakes feel?? If the fluid is very low, I suggest to have a closer look if the residue on the car is from the brake fluid. If there is nothing wrong there, i would ask if you have been driving behind a truck for some time?? Possibly something spraying up from the vehicle in front or off the road??

[acneil]

Made it back to Seattle ok. I guess theres nothing wrong! The only thing I noticed on the way back for about a mile the front end wanted to pull one way and then the other, it felt like the power was transferring from one wheel to the other instead of pulling together. Straight road, good pavement. Weird.

Edited October 15, 2008 by acneil