'nother little problem.

[very_bland]

Aircooled 2l

Took the van on a 500 mile journey this weekend, half way round I checked the oil and noticed there were lots of water beads on the dip stick. I'm aware that a bit of condensation can get to the dipstick, especially in winter, but when I took the oil filler cap off to top her up, the cap was full of white gunk, initial thought was leaky head gasket, but after googling for a bit, I've learnt lots of short journeys, especially in winter, can cause LOTS of condensation, building up this double cream latte stuff, but it appeared to be normal before the journey.........

Any thoughts?

Cheers
Billy

[syncrosimon]

I would change the oil, and then just run the van a little more regular, and get her good and hot to boil out the moisture.

Simon.

[very_bland]

I'll give it a go Simon. Thing is, I have been driving it regularly (tis my only ride), and usually at least 10 miles a time. I'll give her an oil change and go out for a good run tomorrow anyway.

Cheers

[bigherb]

Condensation is caused by worn oil filler cap and dip stick seals. As the engine breather system creates a vacuum in the crankcase cold air is drawn in passed the worn seals and condenses in the oil filler an dipstick tubes.

[very_bland]

Cheers bigherb!

[Red Westie]

The crankcase has a 'breather' which allows gases and pressure to escape into the air filter housing.
A normal by-product of combustion is water and some of this will find it's way past worn piston rings into the crankcase.
Short journeys don't heat the oil and components up enough to evaporate the moisture (needs a 2 hour 60mph run on the motorway)
Cheapo mono grade or 20/50 oil also doesn't help either.
Martin