What Does Gunk On The Dipstick Mean?

Chriss · Post by **Chriss** » 30 Dec 2010, 19:47

I have found cream colored sludge on the dip stick and in the tube. What might this mean? (other than coolant in the oil) Oil is not old, no overheat, minor loss of coolant but evidence of external leak at hose connection. Are head gaskets common? How hard are are they to do? Based upon some threads i read recently I thought it might be condensation as my son has been driving it to high school since august and its only one mile each way. It rarely gets really run out on the road. I would appreciate some ideas and suggestions. There was none on the cap this time but the sludge in the tibe seems more evident since we took a long highway ride last week.

many thanks,

Chris

Post by **RyanGLT** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:03

Condensation and probably a nicely gunked up PCV system is far more common than head gaskets on these cars. I have the exact same problem because I only drive less than a mile to work.

reds70turbo · Post by **reds70turbo** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:07

One thing that may help is a new dipstick O Ring.

Aside from that the 99+ style dipstick seals 100% better than the 98 and prior due to it's double bends in the tube and dual o rings at the top. To do this upgrade you need the updated tube, dipstick and pan o ring. It's a ~50 dollar project or so, FCP carries the parts IIRC.

I did this on my car and you really have to fight that dipstick out of the tube, seals soooo much better than the old version.

It's more than likely moisture causing it, headgaskets are not very common unless you've overheated to a certain extent.

Any evidence of oil in your coolant tank?

Chriss · Post by **Chriss** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:23

No evidence of oil in the coolant. I am changing to oil tomorrow to see what comes out. Also will pressure test the cooling system if I have the right adapter. Any suggestions on cleaning out the PCV system? Never done it on my volvo not sure what is involved.

Thanks

Chris

reds70turbo · Post by **reds70turbo** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:27

I think it's safe to assume your headgasket is fine. I will suggest replacing the o ring at the top of the dipstick though. If you're going to do the PCV pick up and O Ring for the dipstick tube @ the oil pan.

Here's a PCV write up: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=28487

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:28

RyanGLT wrote:Condensation and probably a nicely gunked up PCV system is far more common than head gaskets on these cars. I have the exact same problem because I only drive less than a mile to work.

+1

I have had this issue on my old 850 from time to time. Ended up just being condensation and everything was fine. It will go away over time.

Also has been happening on my mom's jeep for years.

Chriss · Post by **Chriss** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:49

Should I do a PCV job? or wait and check around?

reds70turbo · Post by **reds70turbo** » 30 Dec 2010, 20:53

Pull your dipstick out after a drive to get the car up to operating temp. and see if you see it chugging smoke. If there's alot of venting pressure coming out once you pull the dipstick my answer would be yes. PCV time.

Chriss · Post by **Chriss** » 30 Dec 2010, 21:01

Car has 160 k and I dont know its PCV history had it 4 years since about 113k miles. WOuld you brecommend the FCP kit if its chugging as you described...they got a cool 15% of deal till tomorrow night .

Chris

reds70turbo · Post by **reds70turbo** » 30 Dec 2010, 21:27

Yeah, it will do anything but hurt. Chances are if you don't know the history and haven't personally done it..........yeah. I think it would be a solid choice to do the service.