223 sludge
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 2
From: Simi Valley, CA.
It looks like rust is forming on the breather tabs, which isn't likely in an environment that's mostly oil, hence my opinion about water. There's probably a fair amount of condensation inside the valve covers which would be dissipated when the engine is run on long trips, but I'm not sure how the moisture could get churned into the oil without it showing up on the dipstick. Really weird...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
It looks like rust is forming on the breather tabs, which isn't likely in an environment that's mostly oil, hence my opinion about water. There's probably a fair amount of condensation inside the valve covers which would be dissipated when the engine is run on long trips, but I'm not sure how the moisture could get churned into the oil without it showing up on the dipstick. Really weird...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Is it parked outside? Only other thing would be condensation.... Weird
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Oh ur a cali boy like me.lol Hmmm ok im stumped. That makes no sense. Put a pan under the oil pan and crack the nut for the drain hole loose, water for whatever reason always drained out first before my oil. It could be possible that it gets moved around and burned off enough that it isn't making ur oil look like a milkshake too. That's what happened to my 74 for a few months then it all went to s**t.lol
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 693
Likes: 6
From: N E Ohio
That stuff on the breather/ oil fill tube cap is from moisture, and it is common. I have seen that alot on cars and trucks driven short trips. Even when warmed up you will get this if most trips are around town and 20 minutes or less. When you have the old style pre PCV crankcase ventilation system you need long drives (hour or so minimum) at 40 mph plus to prevent this. That is the only way you will get the water formed during combustion that gets past the rings out of the oil.
A good oil, with changes at least every 6 months of so if you drive short trips regularly is the best way to go. As long as the oil on the dipstick does not show any milkyness or "coffee with cream" color you are ok. Just keep wiping the sludge of of the bottom of the breather to keep it clean.
A good oil, with changes at least every 6 months of so if you drive short trips regularly is the best way to go. As long as the oil on the dipstick does not show any milkyness or "coffee with cream" color you are ok. Just keep wiping the sludge of of the bottom of the breather to keep it clean.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,235
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From: Manteca, CA
so since this post I have installed an aluminum hard line into the rubber hose from the block to the manifold-it was collapsing under vacuum. I also put the correct breather cap for this motor and the problem is almost completely gone. Hopefully this will help someone in future. I really think a lot of the problem was the incorrect breather cap to be honest
Joe
Joe
