Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 15:13:00

Title: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 15:13:00
loads of cream on the oil filler cap.. non on dipstick. not overheating etc . is this definately head gasket or is there a known possible problem that could cause this???? any possibilities would be good befor i pull the head off...
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: ClarCE on 23 March 2007, 15:18:35
Quote
loads of cream on the oil filler cap.. non on dipstick. not overheating etc . is this definately head gasket or is there a known possible problem that could cause this???? any possibilities would be good befor i pull the head off...

How much?  Short runs in this weather does this and is normal.  Also some types of oil, especially the fully synthetics it would appear, make it worse..
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 23 March 2007, 15:26:12
believe it or not, it's unlikelt a cause for concern at all, and doubt it indicates a problem

Give it a good oil and filter change and clean the crankcase breather system

then clean the oil neck and see if it comes back

a little residue on the cap is totally normal
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 15:28:57
there is a fair bit, not just a bit of condensation..but there is nothing coming out the exhaust and doesn't seem to be showing any other signs of HG.. but i'm loosing water and its creamy.. was just wondering if there was any other way the water could get in like a heat echanger or something..( i'm just grasping at straws)
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Kevin Wood on 23 March 2007, 15:47:30
When I was looking to buy I saw quite a few facelifts with low (circa 40k) mileages on forcourts with an alarming amount of mayo under the filler cap. Granted, these were cars that were probably started up to get shunted around the forecourt with the odd test drive.

It's quite a long pipe at the top of the engine, so where the vapour tends to congregate, and I guess the engine needs to be fully warmed up for an extended period of time before it can drive off the moisture from this area.

In the absence of any other symptoms I'd say it's no problem.

As others have said, it may be an indication that an oil change is overdue but more than likely due to short journeys in cold weather.

Kevin
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 15:58:37
ive got a picture to put up.. but for the life of me i cant get it go on this site..obviously doing something wrong.... how do i put a picture up???
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Craig_R on 23 March 2007, 16:21:28
you need to put the image on a website like say Photobucket

and add the link to the image
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 16:29:16
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s34/irratic_photos/waterinoil.jpg)
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Markjay on 23 March 2007, 16:35:50
Mine's the same.

Wipe it off and take her for a long motorway run.

As said, no worries as long as it is not on the dipstick.

And if you are selling the car, wipe it off first, potential buyers might wrongly think what you did... it's an Omega thing but not many people know it.


Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Kevin Wood on 23 March 2007, 16:47:28
BTW there is an oil-to-water heat exchanger in the vee of the engine that often fails. Since the oil running through it is pressurised the failure mode is for oil to leak into the cooling system and never the other way round.

Kevin
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 16:53:31
the water in the header tank certainly seems like there is some oil in it but not to any extreme...i was loosing water befor , from the rear of the engine as when i turned the engine off i could hear it dropping on the exhaust. but ive never found where it is coming from, how easy is it to check if the heat exchanger has gone???although taking the heads off is well within my scope ,i would obviously prefer not to do it.. i wasn't planning on selling the car...
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 23 March 2007, 17:58:51
Russ, is this your Elite or the other car?  Looks like a lot of mayo for just a bit of condensation, me thinks...  Certainly looking like oil cooler rather than heads to me... Don't rule out the HBV and heavy condensation, I know you only make short journeys if it's the Elite, incidently there was a 2.5 v6 in at the scrappy at Froghall,,,  engine still in and partially stripped out...  Possibly oil cooler still on if required, let me know if I can help in any way,

Dave C :-*
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: TheBoy on 23 March 2007, 18:03:39
Oil cooler does tend to put lots of oil in header tank.

Initially, I would clean up filler, and look for coolant leaks...
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 18:20:21
Quote
Russ, is this your Elite or the other car?  Looks like a lot of mayo for just a bit of condensation, me thinks...  Certainly looking like oil cooler rather than heads to me... Don't rule out the HBV and heavy condensation, I know you only make short journeys if it's the Elite, incidently there was a 2.5 v6 in at the scrappy at Froghall,,,  engine still in and partially stripped out...  Possibly oil cooler still on if required, let me know if I can help in any way,

Dave C :-*
Dave, its my car mate...the other car is fine.. what with buying a stupid exhaust that sounds worse than the blowing one i had on and this,, ha ha .. only went to check the oil.. i would certainly prefer oil cooler than heads to do...its all fun. and i'm supposed to be going away in a couple of weeks
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 23 March 2007, 18:23:05
If I can help ;)
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 18:23:25
Quote
Oil cooler does tend to put lots of oil in header tank.

Initially, I would clean up filler, and look for coolant leaks...
i would't of said there was that much oil in the header tank, bit of sludge if i run my finger in there ... how about a poll?? who thinks its oil cooler? and who thinks its head gasket???
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: TheBoy on 23 March 2007, 18:25:58
Quote
Quote
Oil cooler does tend to put lots of oil in header tank.

Initially, I would clean up filler, and look for coolant leaks...
i would't of said there was that much oil in the header tank, bit of sludge if i run my finger in there ... how about a poll?? who thinks its oil cooler? and who thinks its head gasket???
and who thinks its neither ;)
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 18:26:18
Quote
If I can help ;)
cheers mate, i might take you up on that... i'm going give it a clean tommorow and take it a burn up the 50 and see what the result is... dont suppose you got a cam locking kit incase i've got to take off the heads???
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 18:28:52
Quote
Quote
Quote
Oil cooler does tend to put lots of oil in header tank.

Initially, I would clean up filler, and look for coolant leaks...
i would't of said there was that much oil in the header tank, bit of sludge if i run my finger in there ... how about a poll?? who thinks its oil cooler? and who thinks its head gasket???
and who thinks its neither ;)
there's a lot of mayo for condensation don't you think?????? but on saying that ,the dipstick is clean as a whistle......
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: TheBoy on 23 March 2007, 18:32:13
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Oil cooler does tend to put lots of oil in header tank.

Initially, I would clean up filler, and look for coolant leaks...
i would't of said there was that much oil in the header tank, bit of sludge if i run my finger in there ... how about a poll?? who thinks its oil cooler? and who thinks its head gasket???
and who thinks its neither ;)
there's a lot of mayo for condensation don't you think?????? but on saying that ,the dipstick is clean as a whistle......
Depends on the oil and the car use...
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: STMO123 on 23 March 2007, 18:32:53
When I picked my car up from Newark (when I bought it off ebay) there was quite a bit of mayo on the filler cap. I cleaned it off and, because I dont do short runs, it never came back. :y
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 23 March 2007, 18:37:58
Yes!  Sykes Pickavant locking kit on standby, shall need it back for the weekend after easter though, doing my belt...

DaveC
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 18:48:03
Quote
Yes!  Sykes Pickavant locking kit on standby, shall need it back for the weekend after easter though, doing my belt...

DaveC
cheers dave...
   after what you're all saying , and i don't no what oil is in it , and the last couple of months ive only done 8 miles to work and back so its only just got warm... i'll oil and filter change tommorow , wipe out the mayo and see how it goes...
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: TheBoy on 23 March 2007, 18:49:01
Quote
Quote
Yes!  Sykes Pickavant locking kit on standby, shall need it back for the weekend after easter though, doing my belt...

DaveC
cheers dave...
   after what you're all saying , and i don't no what oil is in it , and the last couple of months ive only done 8 miles to work and back so its only just got warm... i'll oil and filter change tommorow , wipe out the mayo and see how it goes...
Thats a good plan :y
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: TheBoy on 23 March 2007, 18:49:59
obviously keep an eye on it though, and the coolant.
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Kevin Wood on 23 March 2007, 19:14:28
If you're only doing short trips more regular oil changes are a very good idea anyway.

Kevin

Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: rpont on 23 March 2007, 22:15:17
Has it ever had an oil cooler fail? If so it may just be oil left over in the cooling system from that. I think if the cooler goes you get a lot of oil in the coolant, not just a trace. It doesn't sound to me as if you have either cooler or gasket failure, there just doesn't sound to be enough gunge. I'd change the coolant as well while you are at it and then just keep an eye on things.
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 23 March 2007, 22:33:27
IVE ONLY HAD THE CAR ABOUT 4 MONTHS SO I DON'T REALLY NO THE HISTORY.. I DO HAVE SOME PAPERWORK THAT CAME WITH IT.. SO I'LL HAVE A LOOK..
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 24 March 2007, 07:45:32
VX semi synth and deffo a filter change, certainly check that HBV first.. about £30-40 from vx or saab..
let us know how you go on Russ...

Dave C
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 24 March 2007, 09:23:38
4 hours left on e-bay Item number: 200090549238
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 24 March 2007, 09:39:03
hey up dave. wiped it out this morningtook it for a burn, it still pulls well at 130. lol . not the slightest residue on the cap.. cant find a leak, it doesn't seem to be coming from the hbv. there is oil residue in the water but not loads, checked the paperwork that came with the car, had loads spent on it but no mention of oil cooler..going get some oil and filter and see what comes out the bottom.. but got go running round the scrappies first, that brain dead child of mine clipped a kerb and buckled his road wheel ( citroen 3 stud). no one seems to have one that ive rang..
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 24 March 2007, 09:41:14
Auto Reclaim Stafford????
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 24 March 2007, 09:42:28
going up ginties first,no point ringing him they just say come look... do you need anything while i'm up there ??
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 24 March 2007, 09:44:32
Nope, OK for now! NEC sunday, dolls house show,,, PLEASE don't ask!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 24 March 2007, 09:46:27
DOLLS HOUSE SHOW ????????? my views of you have just changed. ha ha......if you find a 6 foot tall barbie bring her back .LOL
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 24 March 2007, 09:48:11
I'll manage with Ken then shall I????
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Chopsdad on 24 March 2007, 22:40:27
My wife's Meriva looked the same, 18m old and 15,000 miles.

(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/chopsdad/IMG_1258.jpg)

Still under warranty so Vx had a look.  Breather hoses were blocked with the same mayo.  Cleaned them all out, forte oil flush, new oil & filter and 3m further on there is no sign of returning problems.

Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: irratic on 25 March 2007, 00:08:54
well ive done oil and filter , but middle of the road £20 a gallon stuff....after running around , no signs yet...the sudden shock of cream in the filler did me... dave i could still do with the use of your cam kit mate.. its pouring oil out of the cam carrier heads....rocker cover gaskets are sound...
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: TheBoy on 25 March 2007, 10:20:57
Quote
well ive done oil and filter , but middle of the road £20 a gallon stuff....after running around , no signs yet...the sudden shock of cream in the filler did me... dave i could still do with the use of your cam kit mate.. its pouring oil out of the cam carrier heads....rocker cover gaskets are sound...
If anyone near you (if you updated your profile to say ;)) has access to trade club, Vauxhall semi synth is about £30 (inv VAT) for 4 x 5l bottles ;)
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: Dave-C on 25 March 2007, 20:01:46
NO SWEAT! (Lock Kit) Gotta have it back for the 13th April LATEST!!!

You're most welcome..

DC ;)
Title: Re: CREAMY OIL FILLER CAP
Post by: amigov6 on 30 March 2007, 18:18:34
Mine does that but runs perfect. I had a proper panic on, but got people who know more than i do to look and it's down to short journeys. I've read members replys & they're right, although i've got no oil in water bottle. As for the oil cap, hook it out with your finger & flick it at someone you do'nt like!!!