Emulsion on filler cap!

[AJP]

Afternoon people.

Just topped up the oil and noticed this:



I have read it can be due to doing a lot of short journeys, which is certainly the case for me. Obviously the fear is that it is something worse.

Car's an 07 BWA, 71k, had all its oil changes regularly, well looked after. Performs flawlessly with Stage 1 R-Tech, no hardware mods (yet).

The oil was quite low before I topped it up. And it had an hour on the A-roads yesterday to 'get it up to temperature'..

No warning lights.

No access to vcds.

Should I panic?

[dazza]

Is the car getting up to temp quickly? Italian tune up once a week!!!

[AJP]

Is the car getting up to temp quickly? Italian tune up once a week!!!

It's a really short journey to work, 10 mins, and the needle's probably at 70 when I get there. It nags me that I'm driving it cold a lot so at least twice a week it gets the Italian Tune up on the long way home, up to temp for a good 45 mins.

[dazza]

Is the car getting up to temp quickly? Italian tune up once a week!!!

It's a really short journey to work, 10 mins, and the needle's probably at 70 when I get there. It nags me that I'm driving it cold a lot so at least twice a week it gets the Italian Tune up on the long way home, up to temp for a good 45 mins.

Mine is at 90º very quickly since i changed the thermostat (but its not as cold here). Does the needle ever drop?

[AJP]

Is the car getting up to temp quickly? Italian tune up once a week!!!

It's a really short journey to work, 10 mins, and the needle's probably at 70 when I get there. It nags me that I'm driving it cold a lot so at least twice a week it gets the Italian Tune up on the long way home, up to temp for a good 45 mins.

Mine is at 90º very quickly since i changed the thermostat (but its not as cold here). Does the needle ever drop?

I did wonder if it was getting up quick enough actually.

No, it stays rock solid on 90.

[dazza]

Could be the inline thermostat(s). I was told that if it drops its the main thermostat. Slow to warm up could be the inline ones. I did them all.

[AJP]

Could be the inline thermostat(s). I was told that if it drops its the main thermostat. Slow to warm up could be the inline ones. I did them all.

Would that explain the emulsion though?

I always thought mayonnaise = head gasket... but I've read a few things specifically about the TFSI that makes me think (hope) it's not the head.

[dazza]

If the engine is not getting hot enough it could cause this.

I do a lot of sort journeys also.

Just had a look at my oil/coolant temps on a short run to school. Although my needle was at 90º the coolant temp was 74º and an oil temp of 66º. By the time i got home the coolant was at 94º and oil at 89º.

Polar Fis is well worth the money IMO.

[GTI-Pirelli]

I had my Pirelli for 5 winters (sold with 111k on it). Every year around this time I got moisture in the oil (much worse than your feeble amount  ) . I was doing 40+ miles each way to work, so it got nicely up to temperature every time it was driven. It disappeared as the air temperature started to rise again and the moisture level dropped.

Based on the amount that you have there, I wouldn't be concerned at all. Keep an eye on it. You might have an issue if it gets worse.
I am not convinced that the cap seals properly, so moisture gets in when the car isn't running.

Check for smoke when running to see if you have a gasket issue. Blue smoke = burning oil / white (hard to tell at this time of year due to moisture settling in exhaust) = water in exhaust gas

[AJG09]

Just topped mine up and I had a little bit too. Never had it before and the last 2 weeks have been noticeably colder. I also haven't given it a good run in a week or so. Hopefully down to the cold weather  and nothing more

[rich83]

Is that a real Les Paul?

[AJP]

Is that a real Les Paul?

Epiphone Del Rey. Mid 90s. Quite rare. One of the good Korean models before the majority of Epis started coming from China.

I couldn't find one in the 90s when I was playing seriously - this came up about 5 years ago so grabbed it.

Used to spend the lot on guitars, amps etc. One thing I regret is getting rid of an 80s Japanese Telecaster a while ago. Played better than a lot of USA stuff.

You're a muso aren't you Rich?

[AJP]

Cheers for all the replies by the way guys, my mind is at rest

[rich83]

@AJP  Yep.