Whadda think......

wheelman · #1 12-09-2006, 03:11 PM

Someone had noted the milky mix for signs of headgasket issues. Noticed this today. Now, looking at the dipstick oil is fine, no milky residue. However as you can see, taking the cap off shows otherwise. History on the vehicle, 90k miles, 2001 4.4i. Don't use any oil and haven't had issues with using coolent. Engine runs fine. Small sound of possible lifters on first start up when it sits for a long period of time other than that the vehicle is top. Was just check out by the dealer last month from head to toe and was good. Thoughts?

Cheers!
Mark

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Rcase · #2 12-09-2006, 07:06 PM

Honestly, there can many contributing factors that cause an oil cap to have the historical signs of a "head gasket" issue.

Perform a leak down test, etc, if your really worried, however, if your oil is clean, the car is not having issues, I wouldnt think about it again. Clean the cap, and call it a day.

Condensation from temperature changes, etc can cause enough variations internally to build up shit on the cap.

Just my .02, might be different for a 4.4 BMW, but always held true on other cars.

motordavid · #3 12-09-2006, 10:27 PM

No tech or mechanic, am I...
there are a few really good techs
and Xperts on theBoard.

My guess is: a pinched or rotted
crankcase breather hose/system,
or that long "sit" period you mentioned
or, not getting it fully warm and hot
from a long drive or,
age and time.

Not sure I'd look for more serious stuff...
My 2Cts.
GL, mD

wheelman · #4 12-10-2006, 12:10 AM

Motordavid and Rcase Thanks for the response.....

Yeah, this is my wifes daily driver. Mine is a 96 FJZ-80 Landcruiser which see's WAY more miles put on it. She is only about 1.5 miles from work. I know, I know....this is terrible on the engine. That's why I take it once a week to work. To clean out the eh.......well...you know. I don't go any more than 5k on oil changes because of this. I've had the truck for about 4 months now and when buying it had the dealership that did all the work go over stuff that was done on the truck while under warranty and the CPO warranty. One of the service tickets was for hoses that were replaced, now I can't remember if this was for the transmission or the crack case. I will call and confirm this. I do believe that it's possible the truck not being able to warm up to a proper temp might obviously have something to do with it.

Listen, thanks again for the help. I do a lot of stuff on the LC boards and when buying the x5 for the wife I was concerned about finding a board that would be as good as the one I use for the LC. No worries anymore. You guys and gal's are great and offer lots of idea's and help. The DIY's on the home page kick arse btw....I have several LC friends who thought the DIY's were done with great detail and pics.

As for the oil, as we all know....just drive it. I'll watch for the obvious signs and if it keeps me up and night I'll have the compression test done at a local indy shop.

Cheers!
Mark

wheelman · #5 12-10-2006, 12:11 AM

Oh and that service ticket for the hose replacement was done about 2 years ago I do remember that. Will confirm thought.

wheelman · #6 12-10-2006, 12:14 AM

Oh and one point you mad Rcase was the temp change. Not if the outside temp has an effect on it which it could I've noticed more of that milky stuff on the cap since its gotten colder.........it was there back in Sept but very, very little....

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