yellowish "Goo" on oil filler cap?

[vivanov1]

I did a search on the forums but could not find a normal response for what the yellow goo is on the bottom of my oil filler cap.

Some say it is from condensation in cold weather etc?

Should this worry me if i see it more often? What is it from? how much would the repairs be?

Thanks.

[FSETH]

Sounds like an oil seperator valve issue. Do a search for that and see if it helps.

[motordavid]

To the OP, it's like saying your have an infected cut
and want to know the diagnosis, cure and how much...
Not poking, but seriously, use Search Tab; there are
literally pages on your symptom and possible degradation
of the oil separator/ccv system.
GL,mD

[eurofixer]

sound like u are doing alot of short trips! if so that is normal, however you should try to drive alot longer let the car reach normal operating temperature (temp gauge in the middle)

[Vsmvince]

Crankcase vent valve

[Vsmvince]

We can repair it for you at my shop if you'd like.

V & S Motor Service and Collision
207-20 northern Blvd
Bayside Ny 11361

718-229-6800

Ask for Vince. It is a one day repair

[vivanov1]

vince how much is it and what needs repair?

[Vsmvince]

pm sent

[JCL]

It is not the crankcase vent valve, also known as the oil separator. It is due to condensation in the engine, which emulsifies with the oil. It is the result of doing lots of short trips where the engine doesn't get hot enough. If the engine does get hot enough, the condensation boils off. If it doesn't, it collects over time, often under the oil filler cap.

Now here is the connection to the CCV, or OSV: the condensate can collect in the crankcase vent valve, and clog it up. If it gets cold enough, the condensate can freeze, blocking the valve. That is when you get problems. The CCV is not the cause, it is where the symptoms can occur. Since it is so often mentioned in conjunction with this problem, people assume that the CCV is the cause.

The cure is to do a few hot oil changes in short order, and ensure that your driving includes a few longer trips that keep it at bay. You may want to get the CCV checked and cleaned out if you live in an area where it gets significantly below freezing, to manage the risk of a failure there. If you don't live in a very cold area, there is limited risk.

[msammy]

JCL is right! I also get this "cheese whiz" every winter but luckily, I garage my X5 so it never gets a chance to freeze up in the oil separator and has never been a problem. Once spring and summer arrives, the condensate burns off and the "whiz" is completely gone. Since we're nearly half-way out of Winter and the sub-freezing temperatures have subsided in most parts of the country, don't spend the money replacing the oil separator - try doing an early oil change instead to clear some of the condensate out so that it doesn't freeze if we get another big chill before winter is over!