Yellow gunk....should I be worried?

[Black_mamba]

Some advice please. I've got an '89 Carrera 130k on the clock, its used everyday and regularly serviced and in pretty god nick but when I went to top up the oil this weekend there was quite alot of yellow gunk around the filler cap. After its morning smoke it runs very well and pulls as it should oil temp good and oil pressure about 3.75 (after its warmed up), has it just got a bit of a cold or should I take it in for some TLC?

PS (last serviced at Tognola's in the summer about 5k ago)

[nel]

Are you using it for alot of short runs? I would think that the yellow gunk is the result of condsensation in the crankcase - a longer run would dry it out. Either way, given that it's air-cooled it can't be indication of a head-gasket on the way out!

[jbl930]

Nel is spot on, totally normal if you have done a few short runs, i must admit the first time i saw a bit of cream under the filler cap i shat myself, nothing to worry about. Good excuse to go for a long blast

[singh911]

Take the car for a good long couple of hour blast, a proper hard drive, take it to the rev limit etc (once properly warm of course).....give it the old Italian tune up. Check oil after that.

Should clear up. These engines benefit from proper regular exercise.

Ajit

[xTVR]

Not at all - it's only emulsified engine oil. I'm informed that it is perfectly OK in smallish quantities.
It is there in cold weather but not in warm. As my OPC said when I queried it - "They all do that, Sir"
Relax!

[NigelJ]

I had a similar problem on my 3.2 some time ago. Yes short runs do not help but I found that the breather hose from the engine to the oil tank had perished and collapsed, out of sight behind the metering unit. When I took it off it was literally full of gunge and water. I made a hell of a mess as I removed it from the engine bay. Anyway now, with the new hose fitted, I no longer get the gunge and the engine also idles better.

Cheers

NigelJ

[Black_mamba]

Guys thank you very much for your help, most reassuring. Indeed happy days all round I shall go off for a long blast and spend the money I've saved by not spending loads with Mr Tognola or Mr Northway (nice as they are!) on some nice Chrimo gifts for Mrs Mamaba and the kids