1981 Plymouth Caravelle station wagon with a 5.2 318. Supposedly only 40,000 original miles- though overall age of the vehicle would suggest a roll over in the past. Great condition overall. I have not had any indication that something was wrong other than a somewhat steady oil leak (in hindsight MAYBE a loss of power but she never had much to boast about to begin with). I checked the dip and noticed milky oil. Immediately thought head gasket and started preparing for job. However, when I drained the pan I did not get the chocolate milk oil I was expecting. The oil is a proper color. If I inspect closely I can see faint wisps of white in a section of the oil but not much. I couldnt even capture it in a photo. After scavenging the internet I am curious how likely it is that my engine just had some condensation as a result of uncommon recent snowfall (in Bullhead City AZ of all places!) and a low oil level? Is it possible I can simply do an oil change and continue driving without risking further damage? Thank you for any insight!
Agree. I would not panic yet, I have had cars over the years that have sat outside un started for lengthy periods during damp winter months to find a milky dip and the oil filler cap to have the same. run the engine warm and change the oil and you should be fine. And having owned a 80 Caravelle 2 door with the smog 318 when it was only 4 years old...... power is something I could never boast about as it could barely beat a transit bus of the line , reliability on the other hand, to date it was the best car I have ever owned.
I had a car with a leaky hood that would get water pooling on the intake where I stored it after it rained. I would drive the car up to operating temperature for an hour or so and when done all the condensation would have burned off and the oil would be clean again. The thing to worry about is coolant in the engine. A little moisture happens in wetter climates and that's part of the reason why driving with the engine above 195 due to the thermostat fully opening is a good thing, it causes the oil to get to around 215 and boils off any moisture.
A couple other things you need to know. 1...You never said if you were loosing coolant? (radiator low) 2...Between now and your next oil change go to the hardware store and buy six (6) quart mason jars(they're cheap) and after you drain the oil out at your next oil change transfer it into the 6 Mason jars and let it sit for a couple days. It'll answer your question. Keep us informed, Jer
Condensation - You'll probably find a bunch of that milky stuff around the oil fill cap and in the valve cover. Engine hasn't ever been run up hot enough to boil it off.
The only time I had this happen was with that 1987 Ford Escort I brag about fuel mileage. I began getting an engine clatter. I checked the oil filler cap and inside valve cover was filled with a brownish white foam. Sort of looked like the foam you'd see on a draft rootbeer. This car always ran very cool and the electric fan rarely came on. I flushed the oil out, changed to a hotter thermostat, switched from Shell oil to I'm thinking Pennsoil...Not sure. After that no more foam and drove the car many miles. This was in central Illinois in a damp cold winter. I'm thinking it was running too cool.
I SHOULD have mentioned my coolant levels remain topped off. Another characteristic that gave me pause. I will certainly give the mason jars a try. I am assuming to more clearly see potential oil/coolant separating? To everyone else's point about her sitting for a while- She had been sitting through uncommon weather for a couple weeks or so. I fired her up once and took her for a short run to a gas station not far from my home before returning and checking the oil. Lets hope everyone's optimism is correct and this trip simply didn't burn away the moisture! Thank you, ill keep everyone posted!
That is why short run use is considered severe duty. It takes time to get the oil hot enough, long enough, to boil off condensation. Damp weather with the temperature going up and down will always cause condensation in an engine. Short runs only make that even worse. Chances are you Ade fine with an oil change. Just drive the old girl regularly, and for a distance. They rust out before they were out, so use them. Those engines will go a long, long ways without problems if they are driven.
