Steam from oil?

[JohnL]

I checked my engine oil this morning.
The engine was warm and the air cool. I noticed steam (or something similar) coming out of the dipstick tube.

Is this normal? More than a little disconcerting. I can do without changing a head gasket on that monster.

[planetdave]

I've done this...I ran 5 miles with no radiator, the steam is probably water or the more volatile fractions boiling out of the oil. I'd take it pretty seriously cos its definately NOT A GOOD THING and the oil WILL need replacing. If it were water getting into the oil it would usually emulsify. At very least check your rad level

[JohnL]

The oil's fairly new, maybe done 1000 miles. There's plenty of it. The coolant level's fine, and recently replaced.

I've been getting occasional running hot according to the engine temp gauge - but it seems very inconsistent, restart the engine and it's back to normal straightaway, it's only sometimes on the same kind of driving. So I've put it down to a gauge fault and kept a beady eye on it, and stopped the odd time the warning light's come on. And it's going to a garage for something else on Tuesday, so I'll tell them about this at the same time.

Preparing for another serious wallet-lightening

[lotusguy]

JohnL,

Your oil will absorb some moisture as water is a byproduct of combustion. So, it's probably nothing, especially if the amount is small.

But, it is also indicative of a failed head gasket or worst case, a cracked block which allows coolant to pass from the water jackets to the sump. Check for emulsified oil (gray and cloudy) in the sump and also a coolant level drop.

If you find these things, then connecting a leakdown tester to a cylinder and pressurising it should reveal bubbles coming up in the radiator. If you see bubles, your head gasket is leaking and needs retorqueing at the least, a replacement at worst. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE

[planetdave]

you betcha. Sudden temp variations never good news. Head gasket could be it if the gap was small enough, they can let out some water and reseal themselves for a while especially if the temp/pressure gets high-the gas/pressure gets out and normality returns awhile. Be vigilent erring on the side of paranoid.

[dave_s13]

You could be a rough arse and bung some rad weld in it.

It stopped my 405 deisel losing coolant, you may care a bit more about your motor though......good luck with it.

[AllTorque]

Shouldn't you be checking oil when the engine is cold, or am I a dumb-ass? OK, don't answer that one!!

[deltaf]

Dont forget to do a block test!