Oil problems (i think)

[Michael P]

So I took off my bro-in-law’s oil cap and noticed that the underside of it a gooey-like yellow color….is that a bad thing??

Topic

[college man]

is the car driven short trips? how often is the oil changed?
Trans fluid full?coolant full?

[Michael P]

He drives a 2003 Ford Ranger with the bigger of the two v-6’s…he averages only about 40/mo but its been over 8,000 since his last oil change. I plan on changing his brake fluid and front calipers/rotors as well soon.

[Michael P]

Oh, and its the regular oil…5w20

[college man]

If the truck is driven 40 miles a month.That would
be considered short driving and is condensation in
the oil from not getting hot enough.recommend changing
the oil and oil intervals to 3-4k.try and use the truck
on longer trips.

[Travis]

The condensation problem college man speaks of is a huge part of when u here people say short trips are harder on your vehicle then driving the crap out of your car. This condensation over time can cause premature engine ( bearing failure)

[Michael P]

Thanks guys, great tips! I wonder how much damage has been done though… should I maybe pull the pan and see what lies around the magnets?

[college man]

I would not pull anything apart.just change the oil and
keep it on a regular oil change schedule. 😉

[Travis]

Sorry for the confusion don’t pull the pan I’m just saying over an extended amount of time It could pose an issue. Changing the oil and driving the more will help the condensation as college man said

[Michael P]

Thanks guys! Problem solved for now! I know where to go if there is any other question now!! This place is kinda cool… 🙂

[college man]

Thanks for stopping by. 😉

[EricTheCarGuy]

Thanks College man. I’ve seen this myself a time or 2 and the cure is as stated, drive it longer and more often to help get the condensation out of the engine.

Thanks for using the ETCG forum.

[Skip]

Can I jump in on similar issue with my Ford F150? Bought new in 2005, leftover 2004, 6 cyl, automatic. Found cream on bottom of oil cap and have been noticing the engine idles rough especially when in gear with brake on at stop lights. I changed spark plugs and it ran better a few days but now is rough idling again. I am wondering if the formed line that enters valve cover in front of oil cap is a vacuum line and if so, could it be plugged with the same white cream I found on oil cap? I will change the oil asap but am wondering if I need to change the line mentioned too if it is a plugged up vacuum line?

[college man]

spray the line out with carb spray.

[Skip]

Will do – thank you. Is that a vacuum line and possibly causing the rough idle?

[Skip]

Eric – I worked in research labs almost 40 yrs and received technical journals twice every week. About 5 yrs ago an article appeared in one of them where scientists did a very thorough study comparing synthetic and natural motor oil. Your recent video in youtube is exactly right – synthetic oil is better than natural oil. According to the research, synthetic oil can last up to 15,000 or even more than 20.000 miles before starting to break down, under normal driving conditions, vs the usual 4,000 – 7,000 according to the study for natural oil. No oil company should threaten you since they would be wrong. Keep up the good work and 2 thumbs up!!

[Author]

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