oil cap mayo

  1. Established Member Joined: Dec 2011 Derby Posts: 1021 Posi saxo, flatty, Peugeot bipper, Vauxhall vectra
    #1
    Not been using my car so much as ive been working and using a van, gave it a short run round the block yesterday and today (after 3 days of standing) wasnt a massive drive just short but got the engine nice and hot. noticed there was alot of steam comming from the exhaust..im guessing it was condensation from standing for a while? later this evening was checking oil etc and noticed a very small amount of mayo on the cap? is that normal could it just be condensation build up from lack of use and small journey?
    car running really nice and smooth and no oil in coolant nor has coolant level dropped, so hope its not headgasket :|
  2. L-plater Joined: Nov 2012 Newcastle Posts: 31
    #2
    Either condensation or a shagged gasket. I'd go for condensation.
  3. Established Member Joined: Dec 2011 Derby Posts: 1021 Posi saxo, flatty, Peugeot bipper, Vauxhall vectra
    #3
    so you can get mayo on the oil cap from cndensation?
  4. L-plater Joined: Nov 2012 Newcastle Posts: 31
    #4
    No but you can from condensation.
  5. Established Member Joined: Jan 2012 south essex!! Posts: 2442 posi blue vtrs race car
    #5
    Has been known to condensate when goes.from hot to cold but if its been sat there for.a.few.months then shouldnt think that... Try again tomorrow prob wont see anything come back but the oil/coolant mix is a usual giveaway... Or oil/water in the cylinder but never have i seen oil/water in both the bore and the waterjacket/oil galery...
  6. Infrequent Poster Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 152
    #6
    Just condensation mate don't worry about it get it pressure tested to be sure if your worried
  7. Frequent Poster Joined: May 2010 worcester Posts: 703 peugeot 106 VTR
    #7
    small journeys and standing for extended periods will cause the mayo effect.
    but if its around 70k miles the hg is common to go, look for oil around alternator bracket and above as its common for them to go on the corner by one of the oil journals which causes oil to leak straight out and not contaminate the coolant so the usual signs of white smoke out the back and oil in the expansion bottle wont be present

    but hopefully its not that
  8. Established Member Joined: Dec 2011 Derby Posts: 1021 Posi saxo, flatty, Peugeot bipper, Vauxhall vectra
    #8
    No leaks and oil still at max... Guess its just condensation then. Was worried because cars on 140k miles and never had a head gasket change :0.
    Just out of curiosity round about what price do garages charge for new head gasket?
  9. Established Member Joined: Jan 2011 Aylesbury Posts: 1868 Seat Leon Cupra tdi
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by OMGASAXO View Post
    No leaks and oil still at max... Guess its just condensation then. Was worried because cars on 140k miles and never had a head gasket change :0.
    Just out of curiosity round about what price do garages charge for new head gasket?
    It depends if yo want it done cheaply or properly.
    Cheap way is jsut new gasket and headset bolts etc

    Proper way is to get the head skimmed while it's off, then new gasket and head bolts.
  10. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2010 Kent Posts: 8439 Gen 7 Celica 190.
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Karlb1 View Post
    It depends if yo want it done cheaply or properly.
    Cheap way is jsut new gasket and headset bolts etc

    Proper way is to get the head skimmed while it's off, then new gasket and head bolts.
    You would prob get away without skimming as its not been overheated but it dont cost to much to do anyway.
  11. Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2012 York Posts: 262 VTR with VTS engine
    #11
    When petrols get warm they start to steam alot out of the exhaust on cold days... then they get fully hot and up to operating temperature = no more steam because the exhaust gasses are so hot the water doesn't get chance to turn to steam as it hits the cold air outside..

    Take the car for a proper 20-30 minute drive, let it warm up and then give it a good seeing to, then take it steady for the last 5 mins before you get home, park it up, let it cool and then check the oil. Mayo should be burnt off. Short drives = doesn't get up to temp fully hence you get condensation mayo.
  12. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #12
    the 8v and its breather system are prone to this, aslong as there not loads of it then I wouldnt worry