milk on dipstip
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Joined: Dec 2007
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milk on dipstip
WHile playing with my card I noticed milky streaks on the dipstick. When the oil dripped of the tip it wasn't milky. I drained a gallon out of the oil pan and it looked perfect. SO I rechecked and still milky dipstick. If I had a blown or lot of a oil in my oil then the entire oil pan should be milky, so now I am thinking do I have condensation in the dip stick tube. Any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: PNW
Any areas inside the engine that run a little cooler will collect any condensation. Did you run the engine a long time at full temperature, or was it a short run time?
Also, have you modified your PCV system in any way? If the PCV system is not working well and ventilating the crankcase then condensation will linger inside the engine.
Did you pull the oil filler cap on the RH valve cover and look at the bottom of it? Condensation can collect there too.
Also, have you modified your PCV system in any way? If the PCV system is not working well and ventilating the crankcase then condensation will linger inside the engine.
Did you pull the oil filler cap on the RH valve cover and look at the bottom of it? Condensation can collect there too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
If the engine has been sitting for a long time--the water will accuumulate and separate into the TOP of the oil pan--draining out a little from the oil plug will only show oil from the bottom--however if it was warm--then it will be mixed--
If it was warm and the dipstick showed some milky residue--then like mentioned it is either condesation or water injested from a cold air intake---Colder weather many times will allow moisture to get into the pan--from the breathers--PCV system or cold air intake--especially while driving in rainy weather or foggy weather
If it was warm and the dipstick showed some milky residue--then like mentioned it is either condesation or water injested from a cold air intake---Colder weather many times will allow moisture to get into the pan--from the breathers--PCV system or cold air intake--especially while driving in rainy weather or foggy weather
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
A general rule to follow is always run the engine up to full operating temperature. That allows the oil to heat to the point that any water in there will be steamed off. Water is a normal product of combustion. If I was in your place, instant oil change, then watch to see if it occurs again. Again, always make sure its heated up fully.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: PNW
Now it's true that if a car is ran in very humid air then there might be more condensation due to combustion ... but again, the KEY is to run the engine to full operating temperature for awhile to ensure all condesation is evaporated out of the crankcase.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
...and don't forget to check your PCV valve. A stuck valve (if not the fixed orifice type) can cause what you describe. The traditional PCV valve will rattle if shaken. Change it when you change plugs. I didn't wait and changed mine at 30K miles.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
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From: LaPine Oregon
any number of reasons.............
There are any number of reasons as mentioned above for a milky dipstick. I didn't see where you live or if the car has been sitting, any water will drop right to the BOTTOM of the oil pan if the car has been sitting for some time.
As advised , an engine that has been run should be driven so that its up to operating temps to drive out the collective mositure, which is all that your dip stick indicates.
As advised , an engine that has been run should be driven so that its up to operating temps to drive out the collective mositure, which is all that your dip stick indicates.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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o.k........well i drained a gallon out of the car and the oil is pure. Ime quite sure the dip stick is contacting moisture in the tube as when i pull the stick, the oil drops are clean and the milky substance is stuck to the metal stick.......whew......i was getting nervous......
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Milk on the dipstick ?? 
You may want to get that to an engine builder ASAP.
might be something more then a little condensation into the oil.
and I would not drive the car until you know what it is.
You may want to get that to an engine builder ASAP. might be something more then a little condensation into the oil.
and I would not drive the car until you know what it is.
