As I was checking the oil on the dipstick today, it was low. I opened up the oil filler cap, and there was a swirly, milky looking liquid mixed with the oil.

Water? Antifreeze? Whatever the cause, where should I be looking? Water Pump? My car is a daily driver, so I was also wondering if there are any serious effects it could have on the engine/car...


Any help at all would be great! (and trust me, I need it...)

Thanks,


--
Spencer 1992 244 190K : Bosch LH 2.4 Jetronic FI

The oil's emulsified, meaning simply that there's water in it.

You say the car's a daily driver. I see you're in a colder (but still relatively humid) part of the country. Are you driving only short distances, and never achieving full warmup? Condensation in winter can easily cause this.

Otherwise, a head gasket problem could be the source, with coolant making it's way into the oil. The water pump is external to the engine, so I wouldn't expect it to be the problem.

Yep. Cold weather often produces condensation in the valve cover, at the top of the engine. Not much cause for alarm. Now milky oil on the dipstick, probably a HG.
--
I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.