Yellow Oil Sludge on Oil Cap

[kkamakasi]

So I changed the engine oil today on my 2001 QX4 and when I removed the engine oil cap, I noticed that it was covered with this yellow sludge. I should have taken a picture but I found a picture online..



So after doing some searching on the internet, I came across this thread http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2526976.

Apparently, it's a mixture of oil fumes and water vapor...

and the solution they list out are:

1. Replace both oil gaskets in the oil breather. One sits between the oil breather and the valve cover. The second gasket you must replace is the one on the oil cap. When these gaskets get heated, the rubber/silicone often burns and shrinks thus allowing for moist air to enter and interact with oil fumes
2. Avoid short trips. This is primary leading cause for this sludge. Long trips will allow the engine to stay hot for longer, thus burning off any excess fumes and sludge.
3. Switch to synthetic oil. Synthetics have better detergent qualities and will not sludge as much as the conventional motor oil

Thought it might be useful for others to know because it scared the crap out of me when I first saw it. I thought it was a blown head gasket or something..

[Towncivilian]

There is a thread on NPORA about this too. As noted in the thread, check your dipstick for this yellow crap and also check your coolant level. Take a long drive to get your oil up to operating temperature, which should clear out the moisture which is causing that sludgy stuff.

[CanuckQx4]

Ya I get it to, its from short drives, my everyday commute is only 5miles