Hi.. this is my second post in your very useful forums and I wanted to share my experience.

Last month (Nov 2007) I bought an Octy MK-I (2000 GLXI) and had a couple of problems with the MAF sensor and coil pack. After having got them fixed one fine day I decided to check the engine oil and founf it to be touching the minimum mark.

I opted for Castrol (High mileage) from Halfords and decided to top-up. Upon opening the oil cap I noticed that it has some white sticky build up. Found out through the forums that it is Mayo and it may be a head gasket failure sign.

When I checked the coolant level, it was fine (not reduced). Moreover it was crystal clear pink in colour. The engine oil dipstick showed that oil is clear with no signs of water and hence I concluded it is indeed condensation issue. Oh yes - and I do 8 miles journey to my office in the morning and the same distance in the evening - that's it. Any suggestions??

Whilst I was doing the research work I came across this website which was quite useful in terms of knowledge about oils and problems. Hence I thought of sharing it with you helpful lot. Sorry if it has already been shared by someone previously.

Thanks

Lots of short trips can cause a mayo affect I believe.... but I am not an expect!!

Clean the cap and then see how long it takes for the 'mayo' to build up again. But from what you say, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

The pink coolant colour is normal for VAG "longlife" coolant.

Based on everything else you say, I think it's a condensation issue, and quite possibly a hangover from the previous owner, particularly if it's a petrol car.

Thanks guys. I can continue my worry free drive.

For what it's worth can I add my twopenny worth.

I first started messing about with oils in 1951 when I worked in a garage, and we always used BP Energol, then along came BP Visco Static. We had numerous complaints from customers with the Mayo problem and nearly all cases they were using Castrol. A change to BP oil always cured the problem.

For the last twenty years I have used nothing but Comma oil with no complaints, earlier this year I purchased an Octavia, the Skoda dealer informed me they use only Shell Helix Plus 10-40w. To be on the safe side I purchased some VAG Quantum Synta 10w - 40 for my next oil change and was pleasantly surprised to find it is cheaper than some other well known brands.

I travel four miles a day, the engine does not have time to get hot and I do not suffer with fungus on the oil filler cap.

A nice shade of pink coolant with no traces of oil sounds fine, I would suggest you choose your oil carefully.

Sorry too barge in on your thread!

Just that I have the same mayo effect on my vrs, only noticed it today due to my mother (who I trust the car to of the day. As I work next to my parent’s house)

She said the oil level warning come on this morning.

The water level is spot on still the pink colour as described above.

I used Mobil oil in the last service, just wondering if this oil is prone to this effect?

I never had mayo on the ZX I ran on Mobil1. Of course, it was rare for it to be run for less than about 12 miles in a trip.