Hey everyone, Ive done a search but nothing came up. I changed my oil today, at 40K miles. The filler cap had sludge collecting inside of it. I know that means there is water in my crankcase, but I'm pretty sure its not a head gasket. What could be causing this sludge buildup in such a young engine?
Thanks for the words in advance.
Leonard.
BTW I put a half can of SEAFOAM in the engine, maybe that will "dry it up".

2005 SCAB
5.4 L

 

Cold weather and short trips!!!

 

Thanks Ranger, what do you rec, other than warm weather and long trips?

Do you think SEAFOAM will help?

 

Let the engine warm up a little before you drive it.

 

PAx, no worry, mine does the same thing and I only have 11k on mine. Our trips are not long enough to burn off the moisture that is present. What I do is let the truck run and warm up a bit in the morning while I put my gear in the truck and while I make my coffee

 

Fuel combustion produces a large amount of water vapor. All engines, even brand new, have blow-by to some extent. That's why they all have Positive Crankcase Ventilation. The oil fill neck can stay cool a long time in cold weather, making the perfect place for condensation to form.

 

mine does the same thing. I have a remote start to warm the truck and thanks to edge, I know my engine temp is at least 175 when I get to work. hot daily to spite the short trips and I still get condensation. I did a parts search and didn't find a pcv valve for this motor. am I right to assume it doesn't have one?

 

I just took in my 04 F150 with the 5.4 because of water in the oil and a milky substance build up under the cap. I just got a call back from the dealership saying that they are most likely going to tear the engine down to figure out what the problem is.

 

I think the milky build up on the cap is normal from what dealers have told me. The last 2 Trucks I had did the same thing. I think it is just condensation.

 

i'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is nothing more than condensation.

 

I wouldn't throw in any Seafoam in my crankcase. This is a kerosene type base cleaner. You may weaken your seals.

There is nothing unusual for a small amount of water to be seen on the oil filler cap. As others have said it is due to condensation and short trips not burning off the condensation. Ever see water come out of a tail pipe when stated cold?
If you are using your vehicle for short trips fololw the severe driving oil change interval in your owners manual.

 

I just talke to the service department from the Dealership and they said they have to tear the engine down and have to have someone from the insurance look at it. Why would they have to have to tear it down and the insurance people look at it?

 

I still think ths is normal, all the recent Ford trucks have a longer filler type neck where the mosture and condensation will accumilate. I recently looked at my 2004 again as well as my roomate's 2005 and two road deputy squads in the 4.6 and 5.4 and guess what? They all had some of the milky condensation underthe cap. I cannot believe all our engines are shot??

 

Wow, does the oil on the dipstick show water intrusion? There are other methods other than tearing it down to verify coolant leaks! Think this dealer is looking for some cash.
Do you have a Ford maintenance/warr extension plan, or an outside plan? Who pays if there is no issue found and it's been torn down! Bet it will be you!

I have to agree if it is only on the filler cap it's not an issue!

 

i got the extended warrenty (100,000 miles) since i bought it used 3 months ago. When I asked the service manager if it was covered under the warrenty he said "it shoud but you never know"