What the blazes is this?

[adam quantrill]

Just changing the oil and this appeared to be coming out of the drain hole. It seems to be rubbery and it's a darkish red colour. About 3 inches long.

First time I've changed the oil cold so maybe the thicker oil could drag it out... it might have been lurking for years in the sump.

[phazed]

You've seen the film "Alien".

[hallsie]

Looks like red hermatite that has been used to seal the sump gasket?

[adam quantrill]

Yeah - it's a better bet than some alien embryo! If so then it's only been living in the sump rather than circulating. Assuming there isn't a mass of it clogging the oil pickup I'll be OK.

[phazed]

Worth droping the sump imho.

[grahamw48]

Definitely a Tape Worm that.

Have you been experiencing higher than normal oil consumption recently ?

[adam quantrill]

Yes I think it is a bit higher. Probably from mild leakage (but it all goes to protect the chassis...)