323i deposits under oil filler

[cinque]

Looking for a bit of help please. Checking fluids at the weekend noticed build up of 'gunk' under the oil filler cap. Gunk is creamy/yellowish and quiet thick with water droplets as well........is this a sign of a blown cylinder head gasket? or something more serious / or maybe in need of oil change? Any help appreciated......

[m-five]

The gunk is water getting into the oil and creating an emulsion.

The problem is identifying how the water got in there. The most common causes are head gasket failure, and short (10 miles or so) runs from cold creating condensation.

[domster]

m5 is spot on - could be head gasket, or just a bit of condensation

is the water level in the header tank going down?

if it is and no obvious leaks, looks likely to be head gasket

[cinque]

I only use it for very short journeys every day. The water level hasnt needed a fill up (since ive had it 3 months or so) oil has, but only top up (1/2 litre to 1 litre i guess). I cleaned the gunk off the cap (which was quite thick) then took it for a long motorway run. Looking at the cap again there was small amounts of condensation, which i guess is normal??? Im getting a cat 2 service done, so will get it checked out then.......out of curiosity, if it is cylinder head (or head gasket) what sort of money would i be looking at for sorting it? Also, techi mentioned something about cylinder liners/chambers being recalled on pre 96 cars....mines later, but just seeing if anyone else knows bout this?

[domster]

liners would result in premature wear... smoke out of zorst and increased oil consumption

your oil cons seems fine

if water is not going down i wouldn't worry, but maybe get them to have a look - cost for h/g replacement is about 400-800 GBP as a rough guestimate



>> Edited by domster on Tuesday 22 April 12:31

[cinque]

cheers for the replies, much appreciated.

[matt323i]

I experienced similar symptoms last summer on my '97 323i coupe. Slight oil loss, reduced fuel consumption (check on-board computer if available) in-addition to blue smoke from the exhaust when starting from cold. The fault was diagnoised as classic Nikasil lining problems, a maim dealer can confirm this with a compression test. Certain feul types corroded the nikasil lining in the aluminium block on M52 engines. Initially they were replaced like for like but later on they were changed for cast iron blocks which stopped the problem. I was one of the lucky ones, I had a very good BMW dealer who managed to persuade BMW (GB) to pick up the tab, all £3500.00. So I hope you dont have to face this prospect

[cinque]

Matt.

Had a word with tech. bloke. He said the probs with liner(s) was only up to late 96, early 97 323i's. Mines late 97 early 98. However fingers will remain firmly crossed until he checks it out! (luckily havent seen any blue smoke either)