Brown sludge under oil cap

[zabba]

Had a look at a Gti at the weekend, and noticed this under the oil cap.  I didn't want to proceed with the car anyway for other reasons, but should this be a worry as I continue my search?

I've read it can be nothing to worry about and down to short journeys, but my worry is potential head gasket problems with water getting in. 

[Gene Hunt]

They all do it over winter, well if it's mostley short journeys but this time of year should be clean. Mine was at the weekend when i checked mine.

[samdem]

im no expert by any means, but i remember reading head gasket letting in waters shows a white milky subtance under oil cap?

[DFish]

It could be signs of a failing/failed head gasket, but it could also be down to just doing regular short trips. Has the car been using a lot of water? Do you just do short trips where the car doesn't really reach full temp.

Just a couple of thoughts.

Fish

[zabba]

It's one that I am looking to buy so no idea about the history of it

[meady]

My gti has it under the oil cap and the car is absolutly fine. Doesnt loose water or oil and no smoke comes out the exhaust. Its just due to the car only doing a trip of 4 miles a day normally over the 8 months ive owned it :)

[swgti]

It's very common, mine does generally short journeys, 8 miles each way daily and it was pretty bad before it got serviced, regularly check it now and seems fine. As long as your not using lopads of oil/water, there are no miss fires or smoke coming out of the zorst it'll be ok and an oil change will sort it. I would however be a little wary if its a car your buying so get them to pressure test it and if its ok and they give you a decent warranty cant see any problem.

[DFish]

If it's one you're looking to buy, get either the AA or RAC to do a check over on it. They should perform an engine leak test for this.

Fish