Difference between "snot" and condensation

[samwyse]

I recently bought a running parts truck. Its an '87 2.9 2wd with dual tanks.

I'm going to be mostly swapping out aesthetic parts (bumpers, seats etc.)

The truck drives great except it has the classic lifter tick and it does have white globs in the oil cap recess.

Reading the literature on here, it's mentioned that sometimes it can just be condensation and not coolant crap.

What's the difference?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Replace the PCV valve and clean the cap out and see if the sludge comes back.

 

[adsm08]

The easiest way to tell the difference is by where you can see it.

If it is on the bottom of the oil cap, and/or a light film on the underside of the valve covers, and only there it is condensation. If it is in the oil, on the dispistck, great big globs under the valve covers, well then you are attached to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis.

 

[samwyse]

The easiest way to tell the difference is by where you can see it.

If it is on the bottom of the oil cap, and/or a light film on the underside of the valve covers, and only there it is condensation. If it is in the oil, on the dispistck, great big globs under the valve covers, well then you are attached to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis.

I like the way you phrased that last bit. It may take some of the sting out of my results when I check those covers tomorrow.

 

[samwyse]

Replace the PCV valve and clean the cap out and see if the sludge comes back.

I hadn't thought about that. I'll check the valve covers first and then use your advice if there's no condensation hiding there.


Sam

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Generally condensation will disappear after the engine gets warm. Coolant wont. Also, if you notice your oil level rising, thats a bad sign