Mayonnaise Like Stuff In Oil Filler

[NeilH]

Hi, I removed the oil filler cap to top up my oil this afternoon. The inside of the cap, and the top of the filler pipe, was covered in a yellow mayonnaise-like substance. The car also seems to be using a lot of oil and the oil pressure gauge sometimes jerks up and down erratically.

The car is a manual 2002 C4S.

Any ideas as to what is wrong?

Thanks

Neil.

[umn]

...

The inside of the cap, and the top of the filler pipe, was covered in a yellow mayonnaise-like substance.

...

That's absolutely normal, particularly in winter. It is an emulsion of oil vapour and water condensation and therefore technically similar to mayonnaise, which is also an oil-in-water emulsion, with oil being the dispersed phase. I haven't tried the Mobil 1 mayonnaise yet, but I suspect it might be a bit of an acquired taste.

How much oil does the car use and approx. how much does the oil needle jerk up and down? What's the mileage of the car?

:cheers:

Uwe

Edited December 7, 2003 by umn

[chicagobob]

Sounds nasty!!!!!!

[Loren]

The cap sounds like normal condensation. If you are worried that you are using too much oil (you don't say how much) - then it's best to find out where it's going. Either out the tailpipe or leaking. I would look for leaks and if you are really concerned about the moisture then drain the oil and look for coolant in the oil (also check the coolant level). Chances are it's just normal moisture though.

[NeilH]

Guys,

thanks for the feedback.

I'm going to have it checked at the OPC to be on the safeside.

Neil.