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Topic: Moisture on the oil cap? (Read 1766 times) previous topic - next topic

Moisture on the oil cap?

I put a couple of quarts in today and noticed some moisture on the oil cap and was wondering if that's normal.  Should I be fearing a head gasket replacement?  I haven't gotten around to checking my coolant for oil yet since it's still warm at the moment.  Are there any other tell-tale signs that I need a new set of gaskets?

I was also wondering if it would be prudent to find a low mileage v6 at the junkyard and swap out the old one.  My current motor has close to 170K on the clock and is leaking oil, needs extensive exhaust work and is really lacking in power.  If the gaskets need changed would it be cheaper in the long run to get a new motor than to have all that work done to the current one?  Keep in mind, I don't have the facilities to do all this myself so I'd have to resort to a local repair shop.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Re: Moisture on the oil cap?

Reply #1
In cold weather a little mosture is normal.... If it a lot (actually running out of the cap) likely you have a plugged PCV system or a seeping head/intake gasket.

Re: Moisture on the oil cap?

Reply #2
Quote from: TurboCoupe50
In cold weather a little mosture is normal.... If it a lot (actually running out of the cap) likely you have a plugged PCV system or a seeping head/intake gasket.



:nod: exactly.. condensation buildup is a-ok, might even get to looking like a little bitta peanut butter on your cap.. as was said, when it starts to drip a lot when you look at it, or if the oil/coolant changes color.. then its time to worry

however with 170k miles and a lack of power - it could need a good tune up

Re: Moisture on the oil cap?

Reply #3
Could you possibly refine "tune-up" for me?  I changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor.  What else needs to be done?
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Re: Moisture on the oil cap?

Reply #4
o2 sensor as well. that is always over looked. and it is a huge  difference. fuel milage cuz of the prices that is something always looked at. and im guessing its still the origional one on your car. so id change it. and id put a good fuel injector cleaner in the tank and u should be all set. lucas makes a good cleaner for bout 5 bucks.
2001 Buick Regal LS (DD):hick:

Got that fox rash again!

-Resident smartass! :ies:

- Don't listen to the naysayers. For every person who actually helps with your project there will be 10 who will discourage you all the while thinking that they are helping. 99% of all people have good intentions. That doesn't make them right.- XR7 Dave - SCCOA.Com

Re: Moisture on the oil cap?

Reply #5
Quote from: Cougar8775
and id put a good fuel injector cleaner in the tank and u should be all set. lucas makes a good cleaner for bout 5 bucks.


More than anything i'd go a step further and change the fuel filter. Since the pcv valve was mentioned i'd change that out as well, and the alleged screen thing related to it. An oil and oil filter change can be a part of this as well. Speaking of filters, the air cleaner filter would be a good idea as well.
Temporarily Foxless? Ride the Bull...