Hi

I have to start a quite long trip (around 4k km) in the next weeks and while reviewing the general condition of the car I have found two "strange" bits. My car is an Octy FL 1.6mpi (petrol).

1.- The oil cap has some strange oil, looks like oil mixed with rust. Is this normal? Could it affect the rest of the oil somehow? Looks lke the rust comes from the metalic part in the cap.

Oil cap photo

2.- According to the manual my car has gone through the 30k km service (It has 28k km now ), but I have found what looks like a filter with some rust in its body. Does anyone know which filter is this and how to change it if necessary?

Filter photo

I am moving from one country to another in three weeks so there I find no point in pursuing the guy who sold me the car, and I just want to know if the service was performed and if not how to change those filters (to change the oil is rather simple).

Thanks in advance

Edited 20 August, 201015 yr by pueseso

1) looks like simple water vapour in the oil. Unless you have had excessive loss of water (coolant) I would not be overly worried. I'm not a mechanic though so if in doubt ask a dealer

1) looks like simple water vapour in the oil. Unless you have had excessive loss of water (coolant) I would not be overly worried. I'm not a mechanic though so if in doubt ask a dealer

THX! may be I am becoming a bit paranoid, but I am in love with my Octy and a 4k km trip is driving me crazy

The photo of the filler cap is a lovely photo of emulsified oil. It could just be a characteristic of this engine if it's used for short runs. Some engines are prone to doing this. What happens if some engines are used for short runs, is that the engine never properly warms up and the internal condensation (water) mixes with oil at the top of the engine, inside rocker covers etc., to produce this 'salad cream' type gunge.

The cure is to take the car for some decent runs and get it properly warmed up. It would also pay you to keep a very close eye on the engine oil and the coolant levels, because this emulsified oil could also be a symptom of water and oil mixing - ie head gasket failure. That should show by checking the levels over a time though, or getting a pressure test of the cooling system.

Personally, I think that the photo looks more like a case of short runs and cool running to me. Hope this helps.

Agree the "Mayo" is indicative of of car that has only been used on short runs and hasn't reached full operating temperature log enough to evaporate the condensation . It would make sense to change your oil before your long journey if you are doubtful whether the oil was changed properly.

Edited 20 August, 201015 yr by vwcabriolet1971

I don't think the oil has been changed and the filter certainly does'nt look new! Maybe book it in for a service just in case?

Agree the "Mayo" is indicative of of car that has only been used on short runs and hasn't reached full operating temperature log enough to evaporate the condensation . It would make sense to change your oil before your long journey if you are doubtful whether the oil was changed properly.

You all are completely right, I mainly use the car for 2 daily trips of 15km each. I will try to get the whole set changed before facing next trip.

Edited 20 August, 201015 yr by pueseso