an old chestnut.....

[stu]

...but i am hoping not the feared conclusion.

I took the bike out yesterday, from a cold garage to an even colder run about 75miles in all. It's not been used for a few weeks, and the last time was just as cold.

On my return yesterday I noticed mayonnaise (just a little) on the oil filler cap. What I am hoping is, it is condensation due to the cold -> warm -> cold running, forming condensation in the oil tank. I am not using water, and apart from that she is running fine.

Am I optimistic, or is it the head gasket? How can I tell if it is the head gasket, apart from the water in oil? I cleared the mayonnaise from the cap but have only pooped out for a quick 2 minutes to the shops and back today.

Any thoughts from the Guru's herein ?

Stu

[dazco]

Check the coolant level and colour, clean the **** off the oil cap and try again or you could get the coolant system pressure checked.

[stu]

Thanks Dazo, what would the colour of the coolant tell me. Last time i looked it was a bluey/green. Will it be discoloured if the head gasket is sha**ed?

[The Wilbur]

If coolant has got into the oil, then oik could have got into the coolant, so colour will be oily.

A small amount of "Mayo" around the filler cap is normal at this time of year, so don't worry.

[stu]

Thanks Wilbur, I will of course check the coolant, but I was hoping I may get a 'it's usual this time of year' as it makes sense to me that it may be 'normal'.

I'll check coolant tomorrow, fingers crossed

[Tony P]

Originally Posted by The Wilbur

If coolant has got into the oil, then oik could have got into the coolant, so colour will be oily.

Although both are possible, if one is getting into the other it is more likely to be the coolant getting into the oil.

If this happens the oil becomes chocolate brown in colour. Suspect water pump shaft seals.

Coolant, with its anti freeze, is considerably thinner than oil. But I don't know about the effect of pressure differentials.

[stu]

Thanks Tony, I will check colour of oil, check coolant and go from there. I hope it is just simple condensation i could do without having to do a head gasket.

Is head gasket an engine out job?

[stu]

just thought i'd update you where i have got to.

checked coolant last night, as pink and clear as it has always been.

checked oil, and that is as black as I could remember it ever being.

So I'm sticking with the Wilbur, it's condensation caused by hot oil and cold air on the reevoir; fingers crossed

thanks for all your help and advice

hoping to pop out on saturday or sunday for another (freezing cold) ride