What can cause this, whenever i remove the oil cap there is water there, along with a small yellow build up (dont say head gasket..i may cry)..but car doesnt run too bad...TOO BAD...

 

 

It could possibly be condensation but to be on the safe side, I'd think about getting a compression test and a pressure test done.

 

How long are your journeys?

prob just condensation from short journeys - our mini suffers badly from this.

 

Picture of the filler cap?

My bet is condensation also

I'd only worry if you see cream on the dipstick.

I get loads of grey/white gunk under my oil cap. Pretty sure it's condensation from very short journeys & cold weather.

Yeah it could be a sign of a failed head-gasket if there was also residue on the dipstick, then I'd be more worried.

nothing on the dipstick, long journeys are ok, last one was to pick up your bumper lee! ran fine although I love how the miles to fill up was at 325 as I got back home and over the next week disappeared in about 200 miles -_- it's good to know it's nothing serious, what causes the condensation is it a insecure seal around the oil cap?

it's good to know it's nothing serious, what causes the condensation is it a insecure seal around the oil cap?

 

Nope, winter causes it, mines the same, it'll be gone by May if it ever stops raining.

Lots of short journeys can cause this iirc.

Try to give it a good run once a week. Local motorway around 50-70 for 5 mins.

I'm lucky I do mostly short journeys during the week but a fair bit of motorway driving at the weekend.

It doesn't do any harm, it only forms around the oil filler cap which is above the cam splash plate and in the breather box on the side of the block, the rest of the engine internals are too hot and any moisture is quickly boiled off into the breather. I used to regularly drive three to four hundred miles during the cold winters and it made no difference at all, it's nothing to worry about. Full stop.

good to know, thanks guys this can be closed now if a freedom member can sort that out

thanks again

aaron