Cream sludge in oil filler cap??

[SDWMK2]

I have had a golf Gti 8 valve mow for 2 years and have had it serviced
yearly when the MOT was due.  When I have had it serviced and flushed I
have always made them use a quality oil - ie Castrol Magnatec.
 
The thing is every time it comes to service time the oil filler cap is full
of a creamy off whitish sludge.

I don't have any problems with the car, ie flat spots or anything that
resembles a knackered head gasket and  have been told in the past this
is normal for this engine.

Is this correct?

Reassurance/ information would be gratefully accepted.

[Sugar79]

I think that sounds like coolent  mixing with oil. maybe a gasget?
My old XR2i did the same.

[gibby]

Are you loosing any coolant ? Is the car overheating quickly ? If not then it's unlikely that the sludge is the sign of a gasket gone, if you are then the head gasket has probably gone. The sludge could be condensation, wipe it off and give it a check daily and see how quick it builds up, if it is quickly then you've prob got water getting in there somewhere. I'm sure others will be on with some other thoughts and opinions. 

Also, why not do an oil change after 6 months , get a service then change the oil six months later, that'll probably help you too. I change mine every 4,000 miles and service it every 8,000, others do it more frequently but this seems to work for me. 

[Optimus Wol]

what mileage you doing? if you only doing little mileage, its probably condensation as gibby said. the engine isnt being run long enough to get rid of this, so it stays in the system. clean all the breather system out, then try going for long runs to try and clear it.

oh, and magnetec is crap. it breaks down a lot quicker than most oils on the market. use mobil/esso oils. much higher quality. if you wanna push the boat out, use mobil 1,  0w/40w.

[SDWMK2]

Cheers guys for your fast response, figures it's down to the lack of miles i do , need to drive it more

Looks like a full oil change due this w/e.

Coolant was also very low, so gonna keep an eye on this.

Isn't Mobil 1 a bit thin

[Gambit]

do not use 0w/40!!!! u'd just be pissing money down the drain its way way way too thin!

look at using Quantum Silver Synta 10w40 with Lucas Stabilser

also, if there is no mayo around the base of the dipstick then i doubt your headgasket has gone. as you say short drives in winter lead to mayo around the caps

[AudiA8Quattro]

do not use 0w/40!!!! u'd just be pissing money down the drain its way way way too thin!

Not necessarily, oil consumption does seem to depend on each individual engine.
I would use quantum gold, thicker, but still synthetic.

[dubgti]

Had the same problem went to the garage thought the head gasket was burst,  got told that you can notice cream sludge in the winter due to condensation.

[Veedubgt18v]

do not use 0w/40!!!! u'd just be pissing money down the drain its way way way too thin!

Not necessarily, oil consumption does seem to depend on each individual engine.
I would use quantum gold, thicker, but still synthetic.

thats waht i use, does the job proper style and last a far old while before bing really black on the dipstick to

[gibby]

I always use quantum silver from VAG on mine, engine normally uses a bit so I have to top up a bit between oil changes.