Just changed the oil in my 04 FX4 5.4. I notived alot of milky sludge in the oil fill cap and tube. the oil itself looked fine. I know in the "olden days" this would be a crankcase ventilation problem and you would look towards the PCV or EGR valves. Do these engines have either???? Is this a normal condition?
Like I said, the oil itself looked fine...no check engine lights or anything.

Thx for your input


Sorry...just did a search...appears to be pretty common.

 

Could it be water in the oil?

 

Hello,

According to the Haynes manual there is no EGR on the newer 5.4l. However, there is a PCV valve on the valve cover. The PCV valve may not be working and could result in water in the crank case due to lack of proper venting. I would check the PCV valve first.

Scott

 

It's just condensation. I bet you do some short trips and don't get the motor fully warmed up and it has started to get colder than usual. The cap will end up being colder than the oil/crankcase and the minute amount of water vapor will condense on it giving a milky appearance.

This is common no matter what make.

 

Happens to my 04 in the winter months if I do stop and go driving where the truck doesn't really have time to warm up. Have been told its normal for the 5.4l.