Aircooled - Water in engine oil

[davidvincent]

Dear All,

I wondered if you would help...? Tried searching but didn't find much....

On my '80 2l Aircooled I discovered that on the inside of the oil filler cap I have some white gunk - in my experience this is when water gets in to the engine, however I thought this was usually on a watercooled vehicles where the head gasket had perished....

Could someone tell me how this may be happening and any possible solutions?

Recent works include new clutch kit and starter motor inc bush.

Many thanks in advance
Dave

[pouch]

I get this from time to time and have had it both on the original engine and the new recon Vege engine.
It seems to me it must be condensation?
I only ever seem to see it when the van is used n short runs or laid up for a while.

But it was only ever a tiny amount in the filler cap top.

[DaisyAirHead]

Hi,
Tis true.It is condensation in the oil caused by too many short journeys and perhaps aging oil.
A good long run should help reduce it and much more frequent oil changes will be needed!
My old air cooled motorbikes also suffer from this as I am now only a fair weather wimpy rider and only do infrequent rides out now.
The oil can turn into a thick mayonnaise like substance if left too long and then can cause oil circulation problems.
At least you don`t have to worry about water in the oil of a water cooled lump!!!
Enjoy the van.
Best Regards

[davidvincent]

Haha, cheers guys that's great - I'm due an oil change in the coming months, I'll keep an eye on it after that

Ta!
Dave

[CovKid]

All spot on advice above. Nothing to worry about. Just give it a good run when you can. VWs do like to work hard. Even the humble bug engine from which the T25 owes its life to was designed to work flat out all day long (more or less), something they thrive on rather than short journeys and probably why the engine design has survived as long as it has and remains so popular. Its gradually being outflanked by smarter and more economical engines but its simplicity and dare I say it, clever design, is pretty hard to beat.

I feel a song coming on.....

[Red Westie]

Dito as others have said....caused by short journeys and the engine never really getting up to operating temperature for any length of time.
Cold crankcases/warm air...much like your living room window, will cause condensation. Condensation mixed with oil residue = mayonaise.
Can also be exagerated by cheaper older oil types, monogrades and basic 20W/50 which don't have the better anti foaming agents in them.
A good 15W40 changed regularly is the order of the day plus a good run as often as you can.
Full choke, colder weather and short journeys are the culprits.
But not really that serious
Martin

[Bobber]

Also might be worth checking that the thermostat is operating properly, have a look here

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Thermostats.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bigherb]

Check the oil filler cap seal. As the crankcase is under depression when the engine is running, cold air is drawn in though a faulty filler seal and condenses under the cap.

[davidvincent]

Brilliant advice everyone, thank you - will check both the seal and thermostat


Dave