Yep it's that time of year again. Seems like every winter my EA82 starts producing mayonaise on the oil fill cap, the dip stick, and PCV system. What's going on here??? How bad is this crap? Should I just throw some SeaFoam in the crank case to absorbe the water and drive on? I'm not using ANY coolant so it's not that.

 

So far I've just been dirving like normal. I know I"m not the only one this happens too.

"cuz its cold outside"

 

cold and moist. just a little bit of coolant would make it do that, enough you wouldnt notice.

its a subaru, they do that, floor it!

 

that or your not runing an air filter, and your sucking snow

Assuming NO coolant loss, I’d guess your car sees a lot of short trips... short drive to work maybe?

 

Like archemitis said, cause it cold and damp. As your engine cools it draws in the moist air, normally the next time you run the car the engine gets hot enough, for long enough, to evaporate the moisture. But, if you make short trips where the engine doesn’t get up to temp long enough it just keeps getting wetter inside. Take it out for a long freeway run and see if it doesn’t clear up.

Gary

When I drive it I put on about 30 to 50 miles. Gets upto full temp for sure. Mostly freeway miles unless its rush hour; then it's stop and go.

 

So how do I get rid of this crap? Some Isopropol alcohol or seafoam? Has anyone cured it or do we all just live with it? LOL

It's condensation. It's unavaoidable, and it's not good for your motor.

This is a perfect example of why I run cheap oil , and change it often. The best, most expensive synthetic won't help you here. You must flush the contaminents out of your system frequently whether it's $1 a quart oil or $5.

 

I know some people have reservations about "cheap" oil. It's all a myth, IMO. Though there are differences between brands, most of them are approved by the petroleum industy to meet minimun standards (this does not include some dollar store brands).

If you change it often, breakdown is never an issue, so there is no additional benefit in buying higher quality oil. I learned this from a professional fleet manager, and have followed his advice for a long time. I've haven't worn out a motor since I started using this strategy.

good luck, John

I agree with the others, even about cheap oil and frequent changes.

 

If the milkshake is only at the top of the filler tube, don't worry about it. Subarus have long oil filler necks, and they stick out away from the high heat of the engine into relatively cool air, especially in winter. That's exactly the spot you'll get any condensation. Every other car I've owned/worked on had the oil filler hole as part of the valve cover, so you'd never see condensation on the oil cap. Subarus are unique.... My first Sub in '76 did that to the oil cap, and I finally realized it was harmless physics.

 

-- Mark

All my air cooled VW's had the same problem in the winter. Normal just wipe off the cap and keep clean oil in the crankcase.

 

Bill

when i took a look down one the pcv hoses it had some milky stuff init. but i guess this was from the week of rain we had b4 i checked it

after 15 years of driving subarus, I think I can say that it is normal...almost every car does this..with the subaru it shows up on the oil cap..another car I have shows it under the valve cover...some of the newer Toyotas develope this moisture internally without ever seeing it...no matter how you drive it..once the oil starts to cool it will draw moisture to it

Don't worry about it.

I agree that it's "normal" for condensation to appear in the crankcase, but I'm not sure I buy that it's not harmful to the motor. H20 can cause internal corrosion - and the contaminated oil will not lubricate as well, leading to excessive wear.

If you are getting a lot of condensation, you may want to investigate how so much moisture is getting in. You mentioned the PCV. I would change it (if you haven't yet) even if it still rattles. Make sure the new one is seated properly and also, check the hoses. A vaccuum or gasket leak could also allow moisture into the crankcase.

In any event, keep the oil fresh to keep any internal damage to a minimum.

good luck, John

Is it Hellman's or that crappy Miracle Whip?

Is it Hellman's or that crappy Miracle Whip?

Well technically Miracle Whip is a "bread spead", so it must be Hellman's. :-p

 

Gary

 

P.S. I've never noticed it in my Subes, but like taprackready, all my AC VeeWees did it, gotta be that extended filler.

Is it Hellman's or that crappy Miracle Whip?

 

It has a tangy zip to it.... definatly crappy Miracle Whip!

:-p