Bro, I work for GM, I’m a supervisor here and drive a 00’ ford expo, and this video was a life saver! Thanks man! I’ll keep checking you out as I build this truck into a beast!
Moisture on the filler cap has been a real money makers for disreputable repair shops for half a century. I am glad to see you shine some light on the issue. Thanks.
Definitely gave me some peace of mind! I started up our backup 97 Camry today after it sitting most of a very frigid winter in MN this year. I had fretted all winter about the -30F temps and how the coolant may have been too old and froze up and damaged the engine. The engine smoked a fair bit of white smoke initially on startup, and had some milky stuff on the filler cap. The oil on the dipstick was nice and normal, however, and no apparent loss of coolant. Thanks so much for this video! It at least gives me some confidence driving it instead of starting to tear into it or sell it.
Thank you very much for clarifying the differences. I have been told to worry when the oil cap gets a bit of milk on it and when the exhaust is blowing white smoke in cold weather conditions. In every head gasket symptoms video, they also warn about this without comparing it to a vehicle that just has normal cold weather symptoms. Finally someone who looks at the twofold story about head gaskets!
Ran across this video trying to diagnose my issue thinking I have a blown head gasket. The comparison on these make me think a second time living in the Northeast part of the US. I have a VW and have to say this case covers all makes of vehicles - not just your Ford. Thanks so much for posting as I just need to keep a close eye on this for any future potential issues 👍
You saved my pockets. My qx4 has coffee under the cap and thought it was a blown head gasket. I never thought that cold weather can affect oil like that. Thanks a bunch man.
You are completely correct. I've seen that in my 2003 4Runner but always check my coolant and it's not losing any. You're correct and more people should know this.
I never knew all these tricks til now. I thought for years I had a head gasket issue but now I know for certain it's more than likely perfectly fine. You seriously saved me some bucks and a for-sure headache! Thank you!
Thanks Neighbor for the neat check. I use my 5 gas analyzer and check for hydrocarbons at either filler neck or coolant bottle. But of course that water pump internal leak into the crankcase would not show. Excellent information.
Thanks for doing this video!! My 2004 Expedition (5.4L 16 valve) has that same condensation on the cap too. I have a 7 minute daily commute to work and this explained what was going on!!! You da man!!
I’m so glad I. Came across your channel I thought watching other channels that my engine was toast but I realized it was my short drives to work causing the condensation on the cap alone !!!!! Thank you thank you thank you !!!!!
This channel has saved me thousands. I have a 2000 Ford F150 5.4L that has this cream color on my cap, but dipstick shows normal. I've had two mechanics tell me blown head gasket. I live in a northern climate. I do have a cracked (plastic) upper intake manifold which leaks, is common and the repair is posted on a demo video here on this channel. I still need to know for sure if I have a blown head gasket or cracked gasket. No affordable local repair guys do pressure tests. No equipment. They only focus on the quick repair stuff, more profitable.
Drain the engine oil, send some off to a lab (I recommend Blackstone), they charge $25 to analyze the oil and tell you if it has coolant in it. They also analyze it for excessive fuel dilution and wear metals. Most labs will send you a collection bottle to use for the sample.
@@brianleeper5737 - Thanks Brian. I forgot about them. Will definitely order the kit today. Gas consumption at idle seems to be highly excessive. Long story on why I have to let sit running idle. No idea what is causing it.
Thank you for clearing that up. My 4.6 had this happen in the winter. My Jeep 4.7 also had this going on until I revised the PCV system per a TSB they had, I also installed a catch can and have zero pudding on my oil cap now.
Interesting stuff this is. I was selling my car today and was confident enough that everything was perfect. NO water leaks, no white smoke or any signs of failure. Today the person who comes to view my car inspected the oil cap. I was shocked to find the amount of condenstation found. I checked the dip stick oil and coolant level which i never topped up for 2 years...trying to figure HOW!? Its impossible....Glad to have found this video which debunks the myth out there. Im debating whether to call them back and say your husband misdiagnosed my vehicle. Vehicle only has done 4000miles in a year and short trips to work 15minutes. 100% condenstation.
Moved to minneapolis and had this on my car thinking the head gasket had blown due to the white goo but none of the other symptoms where there and the oil was clean. Even did a combustion test and it passed. I couldn't figure it out. I lived in Texas prior and never had this issue but have also been driving less. Thanks alot for the information you've really saved me and put my mind at ease.
Things to check 1. Coolant overflow tank is empty 2. radiator cap has milky/foamy substance (but may only be accumulated condensation) 3. check for low coolant level in radiator 4. check oil dip stick for browny/milky/foamy mix, not oily look 5. check inside oil fill and look beyond neck to see if inside for milky/foamy deposits Other valid tests: - compression test, coolant chemical test, etc.
Cheers man! Had coolant leak. Everyone is telling me it's the head gasket. Turns out the radiator needs replacing, not the head gasket. Oil is fine, no discolouration. Not using coolant, just slowley leaking it through the top seal of the front radiator.
That's exactly how the oil cap looked on the Expedition 5.4L I ended up buying. Early in the test drive I pulled the cap and saw "Oh no, white gunk, blown head gasket!". Pulled the dipstick and wiped it on a white towel, oil looks fine, nothing wrong with it. Continued the test drive and after another 10 minutes, when it was warmed up, pulled the oil cap again, no white gunk this time. And I've never seen it since in the month I've owned it. It just had the condensation buildup from sitting on that used lot for what turned out to be FIVE MONTHS. Changed the oil and had no visible water or issues. Has been great so far. I'm working through all the '5.4L tips' on this great channel .
I used a bottle of Steel Seal to fix my head gasket, drained the coolant, removed the thermostat, flushed the cooling system really good, Then use a radiator cleaner to clean the cooling system , Make sure to flush out all the cleaner 100%, When engine is 100% cold add steel seal with distilled water, turn heater on high & let idle for 30 mins with the radiator cap off........Let it cool for 1 hour the let idle again for 30 mins with the radiator cap on...........next morning let it idle for another 30 mins then removed all water from the system to let the steel seal cure for 24 hours, Replace the thermostat, fill with coolant and your good to go. Mine has been running perfect for 70k miles now as i use the car for uber & lyft, Only cost me about $120 total.
Can't thank you enough..... Really appreciate this video, I was really panicking, but couldn't understand why I had a small amount of mess under oil cap, but according to dipstick oil colour was fine. Thank you again, much love from the UK 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 =🥇 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎊🎊🎊
Good stuff man! I remember when I was in my early 20's, I had a hot rod '78 Cutlass with a Goodwrench 350 that had the milky cap. I freaked out! Back then I couldn't afford the PARTS for a rebuild, let alone another crate! That's when I learned about condensation in engines from my dad, and other experienced guys. What a relief that was! It's no wonder, too - later on, I found that my Mr. Gasket chrome thermostat housing was made of pot metal, and reacted with the coolant and different metals in the system, and basically became a sacrificial anode. The gasket surface had been completely eaten away! Coolant was just flowing around the t-stat like it wasn't even there! I always wondered why my heat never worked good, and the temp never got above 140°F. On top of that, I lived in suburban Worcester, MA at the time, where everything is literally, "2 miles down the road" - very few long trips. There were even trails of milky oil mixed with good oil on the dipstick, along with rust and condensation towards the top of the dipstick. What a difference after installing a new housing and 195° t-stat! Felt like the heat was melting my face. 😂
thank you so much... I just replaced my thermostat, and after filling and trying to bleed the air, I decided to do a oil change.... I almost cried, when I removed the oil cap, there was this caramel like substance on the cap. I said to myself, I just blown the head gasket while trying to bleed it. This caramel substance simply came from the fact my thermostat was stuck open, and the engine wasn't able to reach its normal temperature, the arrow was coming just above the C mark, and normally it should be at mid level betweek the C and H mark.... NOW I KNOW the engine was not warm enough to clear the humidity caused by the condensation in the block. I also do short distance with my truck as well. Thanks again.
I bought the head gasket kit and everything to work on my Tacoma. You probably just saved me a ton of time and $$. I only have that cream color junk on the cap. No low coolant, dip stick looks like plain normal oil. This is a great informative video.
-16 in WI my wife been taking the csr to work bout 5 miles away.. I checked the oil it was low so i went to grab a quart to fill it up and saw the pudding cap.. immediate fear.. watched this video collected my thoughts reanalyzed the situation... the Ford is fine!
This was very helpful! Was definitely worried the used truck I bought might have had a serious issue but after checking inside everything is normal. Plus temps got down to -30 so I think that's a good explanation for the milky oil cap. Thanks!
Thank you for this video. I about crapped my pants when I did an oil change on my F150 this morning when I pulled my oil cap and had some gunk on it. This has helped put me at ease a bit. I live in ND where it’s been extremely cold and I only have a 10 minute commute every day so I’m thinking that’s gotta be it.
Anthony Lee I have chocolate in my coolant...flushed it with 50 gallons of water...it looked clean ...next day more oil...I didn’t start the motor at all. I flushed it so I coul pout blue devil, and wanted to make sure it clean.
Hey man didnt know you were in chicago land. I'm in northern Illinios too. I saw the most insane moisture laden oil ever in a 2010 Ford Fusion 2.5. The entire oil sump was milkshaked almost like the Mazda here but still half brown, cardboard colored, and not thick but still the viscosity of normal oil.. So the story is I bought a car to fix it up and the oil was fine, winter started, I pulled it in and out of the shop daily for little over a month just moved to a parking spot. Got on to the valve cover job to do the gaskets and was shocked by the white milky oil in there. Even more freaked when I drained the oil and the whole thing was like that. (after I rebuilt near the whole car). It was Incredible!!! I'm glad I got it changed and will not be doing that again. The oil is normal still after a few weeks of making sure its warmed up every couple moves and take it for short drive to at least get good operating temprature. It had no signs of issues before this. Just in and out the shop not warming up enough.
Again, you have answered a serious concern I have had! If your spying on me for episode ideas please continue. I have fixed 4 major issues on my f150 with your videos. You are the truck whisper!
unless you see a cloud of steam at the exhaust side of the car when you downshift or decelerate, you probably dont have a bad head gasket. if anyone says you do, make them do a compression test to prove it. getting a tester in to a new car is a giant pain in the ass, so if they are wrong it is fair to make them do it. especially if you have a subaru...
@@lukewarmwater6412 man I don't and won't ever own a new car. I prefer used. I love the idea of having a brand new car but it's just not worth it to me. I also do all mechanic work myself and just about everything else. So people who make videos like this help me out a lot. Thanks for your reply man.
@@Clare.1985 same for me. I bought a 1997 Sunfire convertible with a 2.4L, the body is in near perfect condition, but the suspension, direction, brakes and soft top need complete overhaul. Been doing all the work myself, 5k for all the parts and the car. Like new, for more than a quarter of the price.
I took my 98 Trans Am to the dealer for an oil change because it was free. They told me and try to convince me my head gasket was blown. That was 10yrs ago and knew he was lying.
That's what I have on my 5-4 and with a clean dipstick I thought the head was leaking, I have only been making short trips in Washington State, good video
Michael Robertson I just noticed this on my 2006 5.4 with 60k. Oil dipstick is clean and coolant reservoir is right where it should be. Maybe I should change the pvc valve and drive it more often.
Great video, same in in the UK on my volvo V70 2009. Been using alot more recently for sort trips to work, especially during lockdown in order to protect myself from bumping into people during the early hours of the morning or extreme late night shifts I do on the railway. Checked my oil filler cap today and almost sh## myself thinking, bye bye volvo. Oil is OK, water expansion tank ok. Your a life and money saver. Thank you.
So true! I just bought a used F150 from Missouri, sight-unseen, and freaked out when I saw a bit of pudding under the oil cap. It was nothing at all--the truck is just fine.
My Dad’s old and only drives 3 or 4 times a week to the supermarket a mile away. Whenever I visit I always check his oil and coolant levels so his car has less chance of failing. Every time there is a little bit of sludge in his oil filler cap and I tell him not to worry and at least try driving over 25 mph now and then. It must be like driving behind Mr Magoo.
Truly funny . " driving behind Mr. Magoo " You old enough to remember Mr. Magoo says your Dad is up there in years . One question , does he wear his hat when he drives .
Great video, I can definitely vouch for seeing the buildup on the oil cap when there are no issues. I see that with my F-150 Ecoboost, and it definitely increases during the winter months.
This helped me out greatly! My 03 Expedition showed milky pudding in the cap and clean on the dip stick. My 97 wrangler is my daily driver and the water pump is on its way out, so I put the expedition back on the road in the meantime, and stressed out when I saw the cap. Thanks, again! Stephen ( Florida)
Thank you for this video. I saw the pudding under my cap this morning and assumed the worst, but, yes, my trips have been short lately due to home isolating (10-min drives to grocery store in cold weather). No pudding elsewhere.,,,BIG RELIEF. Thank you!!!!
Dude, this guy is awesome! His videos are very detailed and informative! They helped me out alot! If he's reading this, man thank you so much! Please keep making videos
I just watched this. I have a mini cooper r57. Live in the UK. We had some very cold weather here the other week. I have only used my car for short trips. Check engine light came on. Checked it with an odp 2. Reading said it was inlet sensor. So I swapped with the outlet to check. While taking out the inlet sensor saw some creamy gunk. Checked the oil cap. Same creamy gunk. However, no loss of coolant. Looks clear inside the engine. Hopefully it's what you mentioned in your video.
This is why I live in SoCal. It seldom gets lower than 50F ;) "The more you know, the better off you are." You gave me more stuffs to look for and include with inspections. Thanx much!
Because of scannerdanner i purchased a used 5 gas micro gas analyzer. I mainly use it for reading ppm hc in over flow to see if the vehicle has an early head gasket failure. In the past i would check the dip stick and rarely the oil fill cap Because of condensation. I used to take dip stick and let a little drip onto manifold to see if water was in the oil by it bubbling burning off vs just smoking like oil. Thumbs up! Didn't know about the internal water pump though. Thanks for that info!
Problem with Ford vehicles that include a degas bottle into the cooling system is that the combustion gases get trapped inside the pockets in the degas bottle so they never make it to the top and gives false reading using a gas analyzer or chemical test. This is why Ford does not recommend those testing methods on their vehicles.
@@FordTechMakuloco thank you for that tidbit of info Brian! I wasn't aware of that either. Thank you for everything you do to make us better. Much appreciated!
Thank you, I was starting to get worried my head gasket was going! But I live in the northeast and my drive to my normal job is only 20 minutes, when I drive to my other job, it’s non existent on the dip stick and oil cap! So made me feel a whole lot better!!
good information, I always thought that a milky oil cap meant a blown gasket,crack on the block or head. now I know what to look for thanks to you. good video very informative.
I just had my mercedes serviced this week. Cap looked the same way! I panicked the service tech made me panic. But I just knew there was a better explanation. I have had no coolant loss, spotless oil, no over heating issues. ALSO I am ocd about checking my oil. It dropped in the 20s this week in GA and lots of rain in the upper 30s. Cold rain. Then my cap looked like this. I am still gonna keep an eye on it but I rolling with your theory for now.
Wow, Thanks so much for this video. I thought something was wrong with my truck because there was this white pasty stuff on the oil cap I was kind of freaking out. But after watching this video I was so relieved thanks again for making the video.
well im so glad i came across this video..im in Philadelphia area where it gets cold and also just drives 5 mins to work..short trip..oil is clean..no overheating or misfires but has the milky residue on the oil cap...
This was informative. I purchased a 2012 Ford f150 stx V6 pick up and found this the first time I checked the oil. Cleaned out the cap thinking if its a bigger issue it will come back. waited 2 weeks and checked again. it was back. Already been to my mechanic ( I trust ) for a bumper to bumper check ( always get that done about twice a year ) and he said no problems. So, I figured ( as you pointed out ) not a problem just condensation but, your vid put my mind at ease over it. thank you.
When I used to drive 1/2 mile to and from work during the winter. I pulled my oil cap to perform an oil change and the entire cap was filled with chocolate milk pudding. I was in a hectic panic for about an hour until I learned about the condensation settling at the highest point.
My old 57 Chevy had the heavy pudding under the oil fill cap. Turned out that the thermostat had stuck open, and the engine was not getting up to proper temperatures. It was winter time in Pennsylvania.
Great explanation with comparison on 2 different cars/ engines. Very appreciated. This explanation make me feel better and hope that my engine does not have an head gasket leak...I will come back with more comments after i will see a mechanic for my 08jetta mk5 2.0t
Thanks for this video on this misinterpretation of a blown gasket. I noticed a little milky looking radiator cap in my vw golf a few years ago and I panicked but I kept driving my car and it droved well and then I checked days later and the cap was clean! Phew!
Wow.....This has been quite the education because in my amateur mechanic mind if I see ANY milky build up on an oil cap I am not walking, I'm running away from that car....
Thank you for addressing this! I remember trying to sell a F-150 Harley Davidson around 8 years ago and the potential buyer pulled off the cap and saw this, and ran away! I knew it had no issues but he wouldn't believe me and I tried to explain to him it's built up condensation. This does not only happen in cold weather climates, I live in socal.
I just bought a 99 f150 the buy said it had a blown head gasket and sure enough it wasn't the case. It just needed a radiator and a good ol fashion tune up. Bought the truck for $400, lol. I asked the guy again about why he thought the head gasket was bad and he said the oil was milky. It runs just fine and I was surprised the timing chain wasn't making the noise that happens when the guides go bad
What? If you have oil on a cooling system and it's not from the engine it needs to come from somewhere, like the transmission. If it was a "radiator" that's the only way
I get this on my jeep alot in the winter when I only use it to drive up and down my driveway. It's happened for years so I just clean it out often when it does. The first time it happened I did freak out but pulled the dipstick and realized it wasn't a big issue after I drove it for a while and it does burn off. It doesn't happen on my other vehicles even if I drive short trips but I guess I usually drive them more often later. Like I said though I've been seeing this for years now and still runs like a champ with no mixing in the pan.
I bought a car on Craigslist for $300 because owner was told based on oil fill cap that car had a bad head gasket. Oil on dipstick was not milky. I changed the cap and oil and drove it for almost 5 years until an accident totaled it.
Funny you posted this cause my sisters boyfriend did this exact test Saturday night when we was in the garage trying to figure out why the car my nephew and niece in-law got is having an overheating issue.(they got it super cheap cause the woman didn't want to mess with it.) He tried to tell them it was the head gasket till I pulled the dipstick lol. Of course I find out the overheating didn't start till they did a flush and fill till after I tried draining the radiator, I say try cause I doubt enough came out to fill a coffe cup up. Sounds like it wasn't filled correctly but have to change the water pump (leaking at the weephole) before going any further. No since in vacuuming the system down just to have to drain it again when the pump decides it's had enough. Thanks for the tips and vids, found your channel when I was having TB issues on my 2010 2.5 and was searching for a solution.
I am so glad I found this video because I was just freaking out thinking that I needed a head gasket because of what I saw in my cap. My heart sank to my stomach.
I used to it too. 1999 BMW overheating, white smoke out tail pipe, and clicking sound on one cylinder. I used this Bars Head Seal and no more overheating, white smoke or clicking sound! I will try to come back to let everyone know how long it worked, but one week going strong.
This video helped alot! The only difference with my Astra at the moment is that the coolant level did seem lower? I will keep an eye on it and stop with the short distance driving as I HAVE been doing that alot recently
THANKS YOU have helped my decision to strip down engine or not in england atm it is very cold and with short trip could be a great pointer to misdiagnosis ....thanks again
Lady just turned me down. On replacing her Ford Edge water pump..Told her $750.00 labor plus parts. Which was Water pump. Time Chain. Guides and Variable cam gears... She said that is too much and would just wait. I told her. You wait till 2 gallons of anti freeze gets in your oil. Your walking and spending $6,000.00 for new engine! As is was sucking antifreeze out of the recovery tank. At gallon a week!
@@FordTechMakuloco I know its cheap. But I can drop the engine just a little and get my hands in there with my lift...I warned her. And yes I changed her oil. It's what she come in for. First thing I asked. Are you putting anti freeze in it... As the oil change was a dead give away...
@@FordTechMakuloco yup I seen this on a 2006 Ford F150 5.4 triton but customer is having steering issues kept driving and afterwards his power steering pump failed.. but original issue was steering it was hard to steer but pump was fine.. any thoughts on this
I have a 2000 ford F150 5.4L that I have oil in my antifreeze reservoir what does this mean blown head gasket or cracked head. You do amazing videos keep up the good work I’ll watch them all.
Well that makes me feel a little better. I just noticed the cap sludge today (colder than usual out) but I have the same coolant level and my dipstick is clean
To check for a blown head gasket take off the radiator cap and put a balloon (or anything that will stretch over the radiator filler neck and will expand with pressure), then unplug your coil and turn the engine over. If the balloon quickly inflates/deflates then you have a bad head gasket. What you are seeing is the gasses leaking out of the combustion chamber past the head gaskets and into the coolant system and expanding the balloon.
The first time I saw oil cap pudding it was on my son's Jetta, which had a bad coolant hose flange that leaked externally. It was as bad as you show here on the oil cap, but not on the dipstick. There was no direct coolant contamination of oil, and the problem disappeared when I fixed the external coolant leak. I think trapped air in the cooling system caused mild overheating, forming steam that condensed after short trips.
Not a ford man here but I’m damn glad I watched this video, just looked at the cap on my daughters hhr and it looked just like that but dipstick was clean , I was pretty bummed until I watched this , thanks!
Thank you so much man, i’ll tell ya, you always learn something new everyday. Just the other morning I was doing my basic fluids maintenance when I noticed the same condensation on my oil cap. It’s been like 15 20 degrees here in NY. I got concerned, I checked my coolant level, dipstick level and color and just looked around and under for any major leaks. I have a 4.6 liter GT with 250k and when I saw the discoloration on the cap I said to myself that was it lol. Turns out to be just this, condensation. Nothing abnormal. This video did me justice. Thanks again for the information 👍🏼
I am a 55 year old women no one had time to help me figure this out and yes there are shady mechanics out there especialy when they see a women coming. Thanks for clearing up that the cap looking lide that is not a positive sign cause sometimes I dont run the car long enough for the condensation. Thanks again
Noticed this in my GMC the other day. I'll do the other checks you mentioned. 🍻 Also it is currently the coldest time of year. It's has stayed like 15°f below freezing this last week.
Bro, I work for GM, I’m a supervisor here and drive a 00’ ford expo, and this video was a life saver! Thanks man! I’ll keep checking you out as I build this truck into a beast!
Moisture on the filler cap has been a real money makers for disreputable repair shops for half a century. I am glad to see you shine some light on the issue. Thanks.
Definitely gave me some peace of mind! I started up our backup 97 Camry today after it sitting most of a very frigid winter in MN this year. I had fretted all winter about the -30F temps and how the coolant may have been too old and froze up and damaged the engine. The engine smoked a fair bit of white smoke initially on startup, and had some milky stuff on the filler cap. The oil on the dipstick was nice and normal, however, and no apparent loss of coolant. Thanks so much for this video! It at least gives me some confidence driving it instead of starting to tear into it or sell it.
Thank you very much for clarifying the differences. I have been told to worry when the oil cap gets a bit of milk on it and when the exhaust is blowing white smoke in cold weather conditions. In every head gasket symptoms video, they also warn about this without comparing it to a vehicle that just has normal cold weather symptoms. Finally someone who looks at the twofold story about head gaskets!
so how you fix the problem?
Us bank
Ran across this video trying to diagnose my issue thinking I have a blown head gasket. The comparison on these make me think a second time living in the Northeast part of the US. I have a VW and have to say this case covers all makes of vehicles - not just your Ford. Thanks so much for posting as I just need to keep a close eye on this for any future potential issues 👍
You saved my pockets. My qx4 has coffee under the cap and thought it was a blown head gasket. I never thought that cold weather can affect oil like that. Thanks a bunch man.
You are completely correct. I've seen that in my 2003 4Runner but always check my coolant and it's not losing any. You're correct and more people should know this.
I never knew all these tricks til now. I thought for years I had a head gasket issue but now I know for certain it's more than likely perfectly fine. You seriously saved me some bucks and a for-sure headache! Thank you!
Thanks Neighbor for the neat check. I use my 5 gas analyzer and check for hydrocarbons at either filler neck or coolant bottle. But of course that water pump internal leak into the crankcase would not show. Excellent information.
Thanks for doing this video!!
My 2004 Expedition (5.4L 16 valve) has that same condensation on the cap too. I have a 7 minute daily commute to work and this explained what was going on!!! You da man!!
I’m so glad I. Came across your channel
I thought watching other channels that my engine was toast but I realized it was my short drives to work causing the condensation on the cap alone !!!!! Thank you thank you thank you !!!!!
This channel has saved me thousands. I have a 2000 Ford F150 5.4L that has this cream color on my cap, but dipstick shows normal. I've had two mechanics tell me blown head gasket. I live in a northern climate. I do have a cracked (plastic) upper intake manifold which leaks, is common and the repair is posted on a demo video here on this channel. I still need to know for sure if I have a blown head gasket or cracked gasket. No affordable local repair guys do pressure tests. No equipment. They only focus on the quick repair stuff, more profitable.
Drain the engine oil, send some off to a lab (I recommend Blackstone), they charge $25 to analyze the oil and tell you if it has coolant in it. They also analyze it for excessive fuel dilution and wear metals. Most labs will send you a collection bottle to use for the sample.
@@brianleeper5737 - Thanks Brian. I forgot about them. Will definitely order the kit today. Gas consumption at idle seems to be highly excessive. Long story on why I have to let sit running idle. No idea what is causing it.
Saved Feelings and Pockets when I saw that gunk in the cap of my 2015 Ecoboost Explorer Sport. Thank You!!!
Thank you for clearing that up. My 4.6 had this happen in the winter. My Jeep 4.7 also had this going on until I revised the PCV system per a TSB they had, I also installed a catch can and have zero pudding on my oil cap now.
Interesting stuff this is. I was selling my car today and was confident enough that everything was perfect. NO water leaks, no white smoke or any signs of failure. Today the person who comes to view my car inspected the oil cap. I was shocked to find the amount of condenstation found. I checked the dip stick oil and coolant level which i never topped up for 2 years...trying to figure HOW!? Its impossible....Glad to have found this video which debunks the myth out there. Im debating whether to call them back and say your husband misdiagnosed my vehicle. Vehicle only has done 4000miles in a year and short trips to work 15minutes. 100% condenstation.
Moved to minneapolis and had this on my car thinking the head gasket had blown due to the white goo but none of the other symptoms where there and the oil was clean. Even did a combustion test and it passed. I couldn't figure it out. I lived in Texas prior and never had this issue but have also been driving less. Thanks alot for the information you've really saved me and put my mind at ease.
Things to check
1. Coolant overflow tank is empty
2. radiator cap has milky/foamy substance (but may only be accumulated condensation)
3. check for low coolant level in radiator
4. check oil dip stick for browny/milky/foamy mix, not oily look
5. check inside oil fill and look beyond neck to see if inside for milky/foamy deposits
Other valid tests:
- compression test, coolant chemical test, etc.
Cheers man! Had coolant leak. Everyone is telling me it's the head gasket. Turns out the radiator needs replacing, not the head gasket. Oil is fine, no discolouration. Not using coolant, just slowley leaking it through the top seal of the front radiator.
That's exactly how the oil cap looked on the Expedition 5.4L I ended up buying. Early in the test drive I pulled the cap and saw "Oh no, white gunk, blown head gasket!". Pulled the dipstick and wiped it on a white towel, oil looks fine, nothing wrong with it.
Continued the test drive and after another 10 minutes, when it was warmed up, pulled the oil cap again, no white gunk this time. And I've never seen it since in the month I've owned it.
It just had the condensation buildup from sitting on that used lot for what turned out to be FIVE MONTHS. Changed the oil and had no visible water or issues. Has been great so far. I'm working through all the '5.4L tips' on this great channel .
My old Volkswagen Jetta was bad to pudding on the cap, but it went over 300k miles with no problems.
Thanks for speaking the truth!
I used a bottle of Steel Seal to fix my head gasket, drained the coolant, removed the thermostat, flushed the cooling system really good, Then use a radiator cleaner to clean the cooling system , Make sure to flush out all the cleaner 100%, When engine is 100% cold add steel seal with distilled water, turn heater on high & let idle for 30 mins with the radiator cap off........Let it cool for 1 hour the let idle again for 30 mins with the radiator cap on...........next morning let it idle for another 30 mins then removed all water from the system to let the steel seal cure for 24 hours, Replace the thermostat, fill with coolant and your good to go. Mine has been running perfect for 70k miles now as i use the car for uber & lyft, Only cost me about $120 total.
Can't thank you enough..... Really appreciate this video, I was really panicking, but couldn't understand why I had a small amount of mess under oil cap, but according to dipstick oil colour was fine. Thank you again, much love from the UK 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 =🥇 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎊🎊🎊
Good stuff man! I remember when I was in my early 20's, I had a hot rod '78 Cutlass with a Goodwrench 350 that had the milky cap. I freaked out! Back then I couldn't afford the PARTS for a rebuild, let alone another crate! That's when I learned about condensation in engines from my dad, and other experienced guys. What a relief that was!
It's no wonder, too - later on, I found that my Mr. Gasket chrome thermostat housing was made of pot metal, and reacted with the coolant and different metals in the system, and basically became a sacrificial anode. The gasket surface had been completely eaten away! Coolant was just flowing around the t-stat like it wasn't even there! I always wondered why my heat never worked good, and the temp never got above 140°F. On top of that, I lived in suburban Worcester, MA at the time, where everything is literally, "2 miles down the road" - very few long trips. There were even trails of milky oil mixed with good oil on the dipstick, along with rust and condensation towards the top of the dipstick. What a difference after installing a new housing and 195° t-stat! Felt like the heat was melting my face. 😂
thank you so much... I just replaced my thermostat, and after filling and trying to bleed the air, I decided to do a oil change.... I almost cried, when I removed the oil cap, there was this caramel like substance on the cap. I said to myself, I just blown the head gasket while trying to bleed it. This caramel substance simply came from the fact my thermostat was stuck open, and the engine wasn't able to reach its normal temperature, the arrow was coming just above the C mark, and normally it should be at mid level betweek the C and H mark.... NOW I KNOW the engine was not warm enough to clear the humidity caused by the condensation in the block. I also do short distance with my truck as well. Thanks again.
Great video. Very helpful. On the bad engine, can you smell the antifreeze in the exhaust gas when you start up the car?
I bought the head gasket kit and everything to work on my Tacoma. You probably just saved me a ton of time and $$.
I only have that cream color junk on the cap. No low coolant, dip stick looks like plain normal oil. This is a great informative video.
-16 in WI my wife been taking the csr to work bout 5 miles away.. I checked the oil it was low so i went to grab a quart to fill it up and saw the pudding cap.. immediate fear.. watched this video collected my thoughts reanalyzed the situation... the Ford is fine!
This was very helpful! Was definitely worried the used truck I bought might have had a serious issue but after checking inside everything is normal. Plus temps got down to -30 so I think that's a good explanation for the milky oil cap. Thanks!
6
Thank you for this video. I about crapped my pants when I did an oil change on my F150 this morning when I pulled my oil cap and had some gunk on it. This has helped put me at ease a bit. I live in ND where it’s been extremely cold and I only have a 10 minute commute every day so I’m thinking that’s gotta be it.
Chocolate milk in the crank case is not where it belongs.
Thanks Ford Whisperer
Anthony Lee I have chocolate in my coolant...flushed it with 50 gallons of water...it looked clean ...next day more oil...I didn’t start the motor at all. I flushed it so I coul pout blue devil, and wanted to make sure it clean.
Hey man didnt know you were in chicago land. I'm in northern Illinios too. I saw the most insane moisture laden oil ever in a 2010 Ford Fusion 2.5. The entire oil sump was milkshaked almost like the Mazda here but still half brown, cardboard colored, and not thick but still the viscosity of normal oil.. So the story is I bought a car to fix it up and the oil was fine, winter started, I pulled it in and out of the shop daily for little over a month just moved to a parking spot. Got on to the valve cover job to do the gaskets and was shocked by the white milky oil in there. Even more freaked when I drained the oil and the whole thing was like that. (after I rebuilt near the whole car). It was Incredible!!! I'm glad I got it changed and will not be doing that again. The oil is normal still after a few weeks of making sure its warmed up every couple moves and take it for short drive to at least get good operating temprature. It had no signs of issues before this. Just in and out the shop not warming up enough.
Again, you have answered a serious concern I have had! If your spying on me for episode ideas please continue. I have fixed 4 major issues on my f150 with your videos. You are the truck whisper!
Lol
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! I was one of the misinformed idiots thinking the milky oil cap meant a failing head gasket! You are the man!
unless you see a cloud of steam at the exhaust side of the car when you downshift or decelerate, you probably dont have a bad head gasket. if anyone says you do, make them do a compression test to prove it. getting a tester in to a new car is a giant pain in the ass, so if they are wrong it is fair to make them do it. especially if you have a subaru...
@@lukewarmwater6412 man I don't and won't ever own a new car. I prefer used. I love the idea of having a brand new car but it's just not worth it to me. I also do all mechanic work myself and just about everything else. So people who make videos like this help me out a lot. Thanks for your reply man.
@@Clare.1985 same for me. I bought a 1997 Sunfire convertible with a 2.4L, the body is in near perfect condition, but the suspension, direction, brakes and soft top need complete overhaul. Been doing all the work myself, 5k for all the parts and the car. Like new, for more than a quarter of the price.
@@OldSchoolZ-wy2yx $5000 for a 97 sunfire??? Are you out of your brain? That's a 200 dollar car....
I took my 98 Trans Am to the dealer for an oil change because it was free. They told me and try to convince me my head gasket was blown. That was 10yrs ago and knew he was lying.
Lol. There is no such thing as "free". There is always a catch.
To be fair he may have actually thought that. And didn’t do the actual tests to prove it since it was a look over.
Most dealers are not Mechanics there just fitters.
Over priced with no skill
Most dealerships do that
Just moved to Springfield IL from FL and feared I'd have to replace some gaskets soon. Thanks for saving me mucho time and money yet again!
That's what I have on my 5-4 and with a clean dipstick I thought the head was leaking, I have only been making short trips in Washington State, good video
Michael Robertson I just noticed this on my 2006 5.4 with 60k. Oil dipstick is clean and coolant reservoir is right where it should be. Maybe I should change the pvc valve and drive it more often.
You're a lifesaver man!! I've been going crazy thinking my truck is dying on me.
Bryce Reigle lmao same here
basically, avoid short trips.. plan your trips, avoid traffic jams. Keep fluids changed on schedule or sooner..
Me too I just use my truck to go to work and back a few minutes from my house, I had the same symptoms as the expedition in the video
Great video, same in in the UK on my volvo V70 2009. Been using alot more recently for sort trips to work, especially during lockdown in order to protect myself from bumping into people during the early hours of the morning or extreme late night shifts I do on the railway. Checked my oil filler cap today and almost sh## myself thinking, bye bye volvo. Oil is OK, water expansion tank ok. Your a life and money saver. Thank you.
same bro I was kinda of freaking out
So happy to watch this
Dip stick is clean and my drive is 4 miles there and back everyday
Saw the sludge and about lost it! Thank you!!
This is by far the best camera penetration into the details ...
So true! I just bought a used F150 from Missouri, sight-unseen, and freaked out when I saw a bit of pudding under the oil cap. It was nothing at all--the truck is just fine.
My Dad’s old and only drives 3 or 4 times a week to the supermarket a mile away. Whenever I visit I always check his oil and coolant levels so his car has less chance of failing. Every time there is a little bit of sludge in his oil filler cap and I tell him not to worry and at least try driving over 25 mph now and then. It must be like driving behind Mr Magoo.
Truly funny . " driving behind Mr. Magoo " You old enough to remember Mr. Magoo says your Dad is up there in years . One question , does he wear his hat when he drives .
By George McGoo
Great video, I can definitely vouch for seeing the buildup on the oil cap when there are no issues. I see that with my F-150 Ecoboost, and it definitely increases during the winter months.
I have a ecoboost 228,000 miles, never seen this on mine.
Great camera work...and answering all the questions with blown head gasket.
Thanks dude! I may be ok after spending the day thinking I was screwed.
Watching your video's is like being in college again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
This helped me out greatly! My 03 Expedition showed milky pudding in the cap and clean on the dip stick. My 97 wrangler is my daily driver and the water pump is on its way out, so I put the expedition back on the road in the meantime, and stressed out when I saw the cap. Thanks, again!
Stephen ( Florida)
Thank you for this video. I saw the pudding under my cap this morning and assumed the worst, but, yes, my trips have been short lately due to home isolating (10-min drives to grocery store in cold weather). No pudding elsewhere.,,,BIG RELIEF. Thank you!!!!
Very informative. I see this a lot myself, and most of the time, it's just condensation.
Honest techs are hard to find. Keep up the good job. Thank you.
Dude, this guy is awesome! His videos are very detailed and informative! They helped me out alot! If he's reading this, man thank you so much! Please keep making videos
I just watched this. I have a mini cooper r57. Live in the UK. We had some very cold weather here the other week. I have only used my car for short trips. Check engine light came on. Checked it with an odp 2. Reading said it was inlet sensor. So I swapped with the outlet to check. While taking out the inlet sensor saw some creamy gunk. Checked the oil cap. Same creamy gunk. However, no loss of coolant. Looks clear inside the engine. Hopefully it's what you mentioned in your video.
This is why I live in SoCal. It seldom gets lower than 50F ;)
"The more you know, the better off you are."
You gave me more stuffs to look for and include with inspections. Thanx much!
Excellent presentation, thanks matey. Everyone checking out a used car over ?three years old should know these points to make an informed purchase.
Because of scannerdanner i purchased a used 5 gas micro gas analyzer. I mainly use it for reading ppm hc in over flow to see if the vehicle has an early head gasket failure. In the past i would check the dip stick and rarely the oil fill cap Because of condensation. I used to take dip stick and let a little drip onto manifold to see if water was in the oil by it bubbling burning off vs just smoking like oil. Thumbs up! Didn't know about the internal water pump though. Thanks for that info!
Problem with Ford vehicles that include a degas bottle into the cooling system is that the combustion gases get trapped inside the pockets in the degas bottle so they never make it to the top and gives false reading using a gas analyzer or chemical test. This is why Ford does not recommend those testing methods on their vehicles.
@@FordTechMakuloco thank you for that tidbit of info Brian! I wasn't aware of that either. Thank you for everything you do to make us better. Much appreciated!
I am SOOO glad you made this video! I had every right to believe my gasket (03 Explorer 4.0) was leaking.
Im late to this party as they say, but the way you explained this and show this made me subscribe. Thank you.
Thank you, I was starting to get worried my head gasket was going! But I live in the northeast and my drive to my normal job is only 20 minutes, when I drive to my other job, it’s non existent on the dip stick and oil cap! So made me feel a whole lot better!!
Can't help but love this guy.
good information, I always thought that a milky oil cap meant a blown gasket,crack on the block or head. now I know what to look for thanks to you. good video very informative.
I just had my mercedes serviced this week. Cap looked the same way! I panicked the service tech made me panic. But I just knew there was a better explanation. I have had no coolant loss, spotless oil, no over heating issues. ALSO I am ocd about checking my oil. It dropped in the 20s this week in GA and lots of rain in the upper 30s. Cold rain. Then my cap looked like this. I am still gonna keep an eye on it but I rolling with your theory for now.
Oh and I do not drive the car but a few miles per day. Just long enough to get some heat going then I am at work for 10 hrs a day.
Wow, Thanks so much for this video. I thought something was wrong with my truck because there was this white pasty stuff on the oil cap I was kind of freaking out. But after watching this video I was so relieved thanks again for making the video.
Good video. This helped ease my mind about this exact pudding in the cap issue on my car. Its on the cap not in the oil or in the valves.
well im so glad i came across this video..im in Philadelphia area where it gets cold and also just drives 5 mins to work..short trip..oil is clean..no overheating or misfires but has the milky residue on the oil cap...
Watch every video all the through! Super series on the 4.0 timing chains. Thank u!!
This was informative. I purchased a 2012 Ford f150 stx V6 pick up and found this the first time I checked the oil. Cleaned out the cap thinking if its a bigger issue it will come back. waited 2 weeks and checked again. it was back. Already been to my mechanic ( I trust ) for a bumper to bumper check ( always get that done about twice a year ) and he said no problems. So, I figured ( as you pointed out ) not a problem just condensation but, your vid put my mind at ease over it. thank you.
When I used to drive 1/2 mile to and from work during the winter. I pulled my oil cap to perform an oil change and the entire cap was filled with chocolate milk pudding. I was in a hectic panic for about an hour until I learned about the condensation settling at the highest point.
My old 57 Chevy had the heavy pudding under the oil fill cap. Turned out that the thermostat had stuck open, and the engine was not getting up to proper temperatures. It was winter time in Pennsylvania.
Great explanation with comparison on 2 different cars/ engines. Very appreciated. This explanation make me feel better and hope that my engine does not have an head gasket leak...I will come back with more comments after i will see a mechanic for my 08jetta mk5 2.0t
Thanks for this video on this misinterpretation of a blown gasket. I noticed a little milky looking radiator cap in my vw golf a few years ago and I panicked but I kept driving my car and it droved well and then I checked days later and the cap was clean! Phew!
Wow.....This has been quite the education because in my amateur mechanic mind if I see ANY milky build up on an oil cap I am not walking, I'm running away from that car....
I had this same issue with a 98 Ford Expedition and you told me it was condensation great video
chipete1 I have the same problem 98 expedition 5.4 v8
@@brendonmurphy7768 mine is in shop now Expedition
Thank you for addressing this! I remember trying to sell a F-150 Harley Davidson around 8 years ago and the potential buyer pulled off the cap and saw this, and ran away! I knew it had no issues but he wouldn't believe me and I tried to explain to him it's built up condensation. This does not only happen in cold weather climates, I live in socal.
I just bought a 99 f150 the buy said it had a blown head gasket and sure enough it wasn't the case. It just needed a radiator and a good ol fashion tune up. Bought the truck for $400, lol. I asked the guy again about why he thought the head gasket was bad and he said the oil was milky. It runs just fine and I was surprised the timing chain wasn't making the noise that happens when the guides go bad
What? If you have oil on a cooling system and it's not from the engine it needs to come from somewhere, like the transmission. If it was a "radiator" that's the only way
I get this on my jeep alot in the winter when I only use it to drive up and down my driveway. It's happened for years so I just clean it out often when it does. The first time it happened I did freak out but pulled the dipstick and realized it wasn't a big issue after I drove it for a while and it does burn off. It doesn't happen on my other vehicles even if I drive short trips but I guess I usually drive them more often later. Like I said though I've been seeing this for years now and still runs like a champ with no mixing in the pan.
I bought a car on Craigslist for $300 because owner was told based on oil fill cap that car had a bad head gasket. Oil on dipstick was not milky. I changed the cap and oil and drove it for almost 5 years until an accident totaled it.
Cool story, bro!
I live in iowa and deliver pizzas, this was a money saver
Based fellow Iowan
Funny you posted this cause my sisters boyfriend did this exact test Saturday night when we was in the garage trying to figure out why the car my nephew and niece in-law got is having an overheating issue.(they got it super cheap cause the woman didn't want to mess with it.) He tried to tell them it was the head gasket till I pulled the dipstick lol. Of course I find out the overheating didn't start till they did a flush and fill till after I tried draining the radiator, I say try cause I doubt enough came out to fill a coffe cup up. Sounds like it wasn't filled correctly but have to change the water pump (leaking at the weephole) before going any further. No since in vacuuming the system down just to have to drain it again when the pump decides it's had enough. Thanks for the tips and vids, found your channel when I was having TB issues on my 2010 2.5 and was searching for a solution.
Thanks dude!! I've seen the same thing on my cap but nothing on the stick
I am so glad I found this video because I was just freaking out thinking that I needed a head gasket because of what I saw in my cap. My heart sank to my stomach.
I used to it too. 1999 BMW overheating, white smoke out tail pipe, and clicking sound on one cylinder. I used this Bars Head Seal and no more overheating, white smoke or clicking sound! I will try to come back to let everyone know how long it worked, but one week going strong.
How long did it last
When you find the so called Milk shake that’s your car giving you a tasty treat for being a good owner, enjoy 🥛
😂😂 very own milkshake machine
Beautiful
This video helped alot! The only difference with my Astra at the moment is that the coolant level did seem lower? I will keep an eye on it and stop with the short distance driving as I HAVE been doing that alot recently
THANKS YOU have helped my decision to strip down engine or not in england atm it is very cold and with short trip could be a great pointer to misdiagnosis ....thanks again
Lady just turned me down. On replacing her Ford Edge water pump..Told her $750.00 labor plus parts. Which was Water pump. Time Chain. Guides and Variable cam gears... She said that is too much and would just wait. I told her. You wait till 2 gallons of anti freeze gets in your oil. Your walking and spending $6,000.00 for new engine! As is was sucking antifreeze out of the recovery tank. At gallon a week!
Did you at least change her oil?
Wow that’s cheap, she should of jumped on it.
@@FordTechMakuloco I know its cheap. But I can drop the engine just a little and get my hands in there with my lift...I warned her.
And yes I changed her oil. It's what she come in for. First thing I asked. Are you putting anti freeze in it... As the oil change was a dead give away...
@@FordTechMakuloco yup I seen this on a 2006 Ford F150 5.4 triton but customer is having steering issues kept driving and afterwards his power steering pump failed.. but original issue was steering it was hard to steer but pump was fine.. any thoughts on this
Cars and trucks are expensive ..more so than old school.All these designs
.variable valve timing..nothings cheap anymore
.
I have a 2000 ford F150 5.4L that I have oil in my antifreeze reservoir what does this mean blown head gasket or cracked head. You do amazing videos keep up the good work I’ll watch them all.
Well that makes me feel a little better. I just noticed the cap sludge today (colder than usual out) but I have the same coolant level and my dipstick is clean
To check for a blown head gasket take off the radiator cap and put a balloon (or anything that will stretch over the radiator filler neck and will expand with pressure), then unplug your coil and turn the engine over. If the balloon quickly inflates/deflates then you have a bad head gasket. What you are seeing is the gasses leaking out of the combustion chamber past the head gaskets and into the coolant system and expanding the balloon.
The first time I saw oil cap pudding it was on my son's Jetta, which had a bad coolant hose flange that leaked externally. It was as bad as you show here on the oil cap, but not on the dipstick. There was no direct coolant contamination of oil, and the problem disappeared when I fixed the external coolant leak. I think trapped air in the cooling system caused mild overheating, forming steam that condensed after short trips.
Not a ford man here but I’m damn glad I watched this video, just looked at the cap on my daughters hhr and it looked just like that but dipstick was clean , I was pretty bummed until I watched this , thanks!
Really great video. Good explanation camera shots and no crappy music in the background
Thank you so much man, i’ll tell ya, you always learn something new everyday. Just the other morning I was doing my basic fluids maintenance when I noticed the same condensation on my oil cap. It’s been like 15 20 degrees here in NY. I got concerned, I checked my coolant level, dipstick level and color and just looked around and under for any major leaks. I have a 4.6 liter GT with 250k and when I saw the discoloration on the cap I said to myself that was it lol. Turns out to be just this, condensation. Nothing abnormal. This video did me justice. Thanks again for the information 👍🏼
Great video, dealing with an issue just like this basically! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I am a 55 year old women no one had time to help me figure this out and yes there are shady mechanics out there especialy when they see a women coming. Thanks for clearing up that the cap looking lide that is not a positive sign cause sometimes I dont run the car long enough for the condensation. Thanks again
Watching this video help me out a lot. I have a 07 F150 5.4. Oil cap buildup in the top. Thank you
Brilliant video gives people peace of mind not thinking the worse
Thanks so much for this! Currently in a debate on if I have a blown head gasket, will check these signs tomorrow!
put a lighter to the oil on the dipstick, If it spits, it has coolant in it
Spits?
@@everydayvacaytaj like when cooking something fatty, the grease spits up. so will antifreeze when a lighter is put to an oil on a dipstick
That’s not always! Sometimes it leaks exhaust in the coolant
@@parrisestatessouthernhomec3246 yeah, but talking about the dip stick!.... Dip stick!
Noticed this in my GMC the other day. I'll do the other checks you mentioned. 🍻
Also it is currently the coldest time of year. It's has stayed like 15°f below freezing this last week.
This whole ti.e I thought a had a headgasket leak, stressing out for nothing, thanks a lot 🙏 for this video...
Wow I'm glad I saw this. Caught a little cream on my oilcap. Still gonna check it out with a block tester but now I'm not freaking out as bad.
Great information. Pulling the spark plugs usually reveals whether head gasket is blown or not. Thanks for your videos.
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