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  #1  
Old 03-10-2012, 08:46 PM
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Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

I went to add oil today and the underside and top of the oil filler spout were quite full of a soft tan coloured sludge. I've never seen anything like it so I'm hoping someone here has an idea what it is.

The engine has about 4,000 km (2,500 mi) on it since since a complete rebuild.

Thanks,
Rod.
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  #2  
Old 03-10-2012, 08:53 PM
1986nate 1986nate is offline
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

It's moisture. More than likely from the change in season as the air temps warm up and a lot of moisture is in the air and makes it's way into the engine.
Just wipe it all off and don't worry about it
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  #3  
Old 03-10-2012, 09:27 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1986nate View Post
It's moisture. More than likely from the change in season as the air temps warm up and a lot of moisture is in the air and makes it's way into the engine.
Just wipe it all off and don't worry about it
Thanks, that makes lots of sense -- the outside temps have been up and down all winter. Good call!
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'97 Ebony LSi #426, CDM (1 of 51 in '97), 185k km, rebuilt engine & transfer case; 22mm Bontrager RSB; 4300k HID 9006 bulbs SOLD
'92 Ebony LS-L #6851, USDM (sold)
'08 Forester (wife's)
'06 STi (traded for the Forester)
'94 Legacy wagon (sold)
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  #4  
Old 03-10-2012, 11:08 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

It's also more likely to build up with shorter trips,
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  #5  
Old 03-10-2012, 11:22 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

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Originally Posted by Tim View Post
It's also more likely to build up with shorter trips,
Man, you guys are good! My daily commute is only 7km each way, so right again!
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'97 Ebony LSi #426, CDM (1 of 51 in '97), 185k km, rebuilt engine & transfer case; 22mm Bontrager RSB; 4300k HID 9006 bulbs SOLD
'92 Ebony LS-L #6851, USDM (sold)
'08 Forester (wife's)
'06 STi (traded for the Forester)
'94 Legacy wagon (sold)
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  #6  
Old 03-11-2012, 01:47 AM
oab_au oab_au is offline
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

Yes you need to take it for a longer run to get the oil up to temp, to boil the water out of it.


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  #7  
Old 03-11-2012, 11:27 AM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

My Dad had a service station when I was a kid (this 50 years ago...) and I remember him talking doing an "Italian tune-up" on a customer's car -- which was to take it for a good high-speed run to clean it out.
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'97 Ebony LSi #426, CDM (1 of 51 in '97), 185k km, rebuilt engine & transfer case; 22mm Bontrager RSB; 4300k HID 9006 bulbs SOLD
'92 Ebony LS-L #6851, USDM (sold)
'08 Forester (wife's)
'06 STi (traded for the Forester)
'94 Legacy wagon (sold)
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  #8  
Old 03-11-2012, 12:32 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod. View Post
My Dad had a service station when I was a kid (this 50 years ago...) and I remember him talking doing an "Italian tune-up" on a customer's car -- which was to take it for a good high-speed run to clean it out.
You need to do the same once in a while.
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  #9  
Old 03-11-2012, 02:12 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ensteele View Post
You need to do the same once in a while.
Just got back! Beautiful early spring day, so why not take advantage?

Stopped by NAPA on the way back for an oil filter. The one I've seen recommended here -- Purolator L30165 -- is $45 so I settled for a K&N HP 4001 for half of that. Not surprising, there's none in stock but it'll be here Wesdesday. Picked up 7qts of Amsoil 5W-30 at the local hardware store, so all I need now is a hoist.
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'97 Ebony LSi #426, CDM (1 of 51 in '97), 185k km, rebuilt engine & transfer case; 22mm Bontrager RSB; 4300k HID 9006 bulbs SOLD
'92 Ebony LS-L #6851, USDM (sold)
'08 Forester (wife's)
'06 STi (traded for the Forester)
'94 Legacy wagon (sold)
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  #10  
Old 03-11-2012, 02:15 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod. View Post
Just got back! Beautiful early spring day, so why not take advantage?

Stopped by NAPA on the way back for an oil filter. The one I've seen recommended here -- Purolator L30165 -- is $45 so I settled for a K&N HP 4001 for half of that. Not surprising, there's none in stock but it'll be here Wesdesday. Picked up 7qts of Amsoil 5W-30 at the local hardware store, so all I need now is a hoist.
Real men can do it w/o lifting the car.
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  #11  
Old 03-11-2012, 04:00 PM
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Re: Why is there tan sludge inside the oil cap?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuckls View Post
Real men can do it w/o lifting the car.
I used to know a girl who changed her own oil by driving two wheels up on the curb.

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