Engine oil foaming
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Wisconsin
Engine oil foaming
I have a '92 Bronco with a 302 and just the other day I was adding some oil and in the valve cover cap there was foam all in the inside of it. I know that if the oil is foaming it's bad, so what can I do about it, is there some kind of additive I can add? Also, what causes engine oil to foam in the first place?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
Wow! That sucks. Was it air-type foam, with bubbles, or just the result of water, meaning that mud type tan colored stuff that results from water in the oil?
If it was air bubbles, it's definately way past time to change the oil. I would suggest a diesel rated oil, meaning having a CI-4 / SL rating. This has extra anti-foaming additives in it and should help. An example is something like Chevron Delo, Shell Rotella, or Citgo Mystik JT-8. I would suggest 10w30.
I hope it's not water, that may mean there are other engine problems.
Good luck!
If it was air bubbles, it's definately way past time to change the oil. I would suggest a diesel rated oil, meaning having a CI-4 / SL rating. This has extra anti-foaming additives in it and should help. An example is something like Chevron Delo, Shell Rotella, or Citgo Mystik JT-8. I would suggest 10w30.
I hope it's not water, that may mean there are other engine problems.
Good luck!
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Senior User
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From: Wisconsin
Well the oil was changed only about 1,000 miles ago, so I shouldn't need an oil change and right now the oil level is in the normal range. The foam was a light tan color with lots of bubbles. I not losing any coolent so how could water get in the oil?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
Yeah its condensation. My 360 does almost the same thing, only the tan stuff forms in the dipstick tube not in the valve covers. What thermostat are you running? I have a felling a hotter one, like a 195 degree, may fix it. That is if you're driving far enough to fully warm it up! 
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Chicago Area
Yeah, I vote for condensation, too! It's actually amazing how much one cold start and quick stop can produce. Like when you move the cars around in the morning so Dad can get out!
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Senior User
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From: Wisconsin
Well thanks for the help. I found out that the motor is missing a little coolent since the last time I put some in which was about 2,000 miles ago, so I hope that wasn't the reason for the water in the oil. I'm leaning towards condinsation because I have been taking it for short trips. It's strange because the oil on the dipstick looks good, but on the cap where I put in oil it's full of foam. Right now the thermostat is stock and it has not been changed.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Watch that coolant, it is starting to sound like it might be a cracked cylinder head. You shouldn't lose enough to be able to notice it. A little in 2000 miles is probably expected, though. You might also check your PCV valve, that could trap moisture in there too.
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