Failing head gasket? M112
 

1998 E320 115k = I have the same issue as the person in this thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforu...d.php?t=145895

It's a yellow, butterscotch-pudding-like concoction that is collecting just inside my oil filler cap. The difference between the previous poster and myself is, I drive enough to heat up the engine thoroughly and I fear that it's a leaking head gasket. (even though my coolant level does not seem to be dropping) Is this a symptom of a head gasket allowing coolant to enter the engine oil? What other symptoms would I be seeing if it was a head gasket?

you can get this from lack of proper crankcase ventilation too. so i would check the ventilation system for clogs.

i had this on my 76 volvo with the renault v6. scary til i found the plugged vent tube.

tom w

You are coming off of Winter in a not so warm climate area. Get the engine piping hot and change the oil, with a long drain cycle, at least an hour. This is not at all an uncommon condition this time of year.

Thanks for the replies Tom and Larry!

It is a little comforting to hear that two of the forum's senior members are not leaning toward head gasket ($$$).

Larry - in the thread I quoted, MBDOC says that if you drive long distances at highway speed (I do everyday), that the condensation will evaporate. Is it possible that the condensation will remain even after long daily drives? Additionally, this is the first winter that I have experienced this condition.

Tom - anything else to check *besides* the PCV valve?

I'll implement both suggestions and get back to this thread with a result.

Send a sample of the oil out to the lab and you will know for sure. See if they red flag it for coolant.

what oil did you use ?

AMSOIL 5W40 "European Car Formula"

usually if your coolant level is not going down then the moisture source is from the air.

That's good to hear - my coolant is still at normal level so I've got that going for me. Weird thing is, this is the first winter I've seen this and it's A LOT of the yellow gunk. I check my oil approx every 2 weeks and I get about 1/4 cup of that crap out of the oil filler neck.