GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: noms on 31 December 2009, 02:04
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When checking my oil level (which regularly needs topping up), I noticed mayonnaise on the dipstick as I pulled it out. NOT loosing any coolant. NO overheating. Does around 100miles a week. Some white smoke from exhaust when cold. What the heck does this mean..?
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how much mayo?
What colour is your coolant?
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Probably means it's stood still a lot and only does small journeys, so it's usually just condensation. Head gasket failure usually means losing coolant and over heating. Just to put the mayo syndrome into perspective, I used to get mayo on the oil cap of my camper and that was air cooled.
Why does the oil need topping up regularly ? Oil leak or burning oil ? That would be where I would be concentrating my thoughts if you're only doing 100 miles a week.
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how much mayo?
What colour is your coolant?
Small amount of mayo on the dipstick. Coolant is blue
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I had the same problem a little Mk3 1.4CL I used to own. It was the head gasket...it was letting water from the coolant get into the oil, which collected at the top of the engine...most noticeable under the oil filler cap. Its not the end of the world if its caught early. I don't know if you are able to do it yourself, but a replacement head gasket is about 10 quid from VW...its usually the labor that costs. When I had mine done, I did not own the tools at the time so it cost me 165 pounds to do at a local garage including parts.
I can't say 100% its your head gasket, but a mayo type substance in the oil always means water is getting into the oil system...the most common way this happens is a faulty head gasket. Added to the fact you report a small amount of white smoke...the symptoms are exactly the same as what I had with my old CL a few years back, so I'd suggest that is where you start.
Hope this helps! :smiley:
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I get a little every now and again, but I do quite a lot of short journeys so I put it down to condensation.
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it's just condensation. if your oil isn't milky and your coolant isn't brown then i'd say you're fine. give it an oil change if your not sure
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it's just condensation. if your oil isn't milky and your coolant isn't brown then i'd say you're fine. give it an oil change if your not sure
Yeah will do (or just wait for it to burn the oil as it always does).
Thanks