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Greenish Sludge under oil cap
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blewinski
New User
Jan 19, 2009, 7:24 PM
Post #1 of 5
(4085 views)
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Greenish Sludge under oil cap
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Hello -
Today I changed the oil in my Xterra which I have done every 3,000 miles. I noticed that there was a greenish substance (not too thick; sort of sludgy or slick) on the inside of the oil cap and down the neck of the oil pipe. The oil was black; there was no discoloration or water in the oil. The oil level was fine as well. I also checked the radiator; the level was fine and the fluid was green as it should be; no discoloration or sign of oil. I am curious if anyone has seen this before or knows what it is. Any information would be much appreciated. My specs are listed below. Thanks!
Year of vehicle: 2001
Make of vehicle: Nissan
Model of vehicle: Xterra
Engine size: 3.3 liters V6
Mileage/Kilometers: 103,042
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 19, 2009, 7:32 PM
Post #2 of 5
(4083 views)
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Re: Greenish Sludge under oil cap
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The greenish color concerns me. The only thing that I can think of would be anti-freeze, unless you are growing your own pennicilin. How long in between changes? You mentioned 3000 miles, but how long does it take you to go that far? If you drive short trips, it is normal to see condensation on the oil fill cap, but the green does bother me. Keep a very close eye on the oil and coolant. You can have the cooling system tested for exhaust gasses, but sounds like it may be a bit premature, at this point. If you do make a lot of short trips, it's very likely that the engine isn't getting hot enough to evaporate the moisture in the oil, which would require more frequent oil changes.
The rule of thumb is 3 mos/3000 miles, whichever comes first.
Loren
SW Washington
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blewinski
New User
Jan 19, 2009, 9:09 PM
Post #3 of 5
(4076 views)
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Re: Greenish Sludge under oil cap
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Loren -
Thanks for the quick reply. The last change was in early September; so it has been about 4 months. The truck is driven primarily once a week on a 120 mile trip. The rest of the week if it is run; it is for a really short trip like to the store. It usually takes about 4 months to get the 3,000 miles. I did check the coolant and it was fine (level and color). I also looked at the oil I drained and it seemed fine as well; no water or greenish color and the amount seemed fine. I will most definitely keep an eye on it. After thinking about it a bit 2 things come to mind. This past summer when the air conditioner was run the condensation water seemed to have greenish spots in it; I am pretty sure that it was anti-freeze. Unfortunately I never had it looked at; I lazily just didn't use the air conditioner; it was also the end of the summer. I am not sure if this could be related or not. Another thing that sticks out is about a month ago on a cold rainy night I took the truck out to the store; along the way I stopped at a light and all of a sudden the truck started idling really rough and when I accelerated it remained rough for a few seconds. After that episode everything seemed fine; I assumed it had to do with the cold / rain and perhaps some condensation somewhere. Again I am not sure if this is related but it is some food for thought. Thanks again for the quick reply!
Brett
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 19, 2009, 10:11 PM
Post #4 of 5
(4067 views)
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Re: Greenish Sludge under oil cap
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Quote:
This past summer when the air conditioner was run the condensation water seemed to have greenish spots in it; I am pretty sure that it was anti-freeze.
____________________
Butting in on Loren- sorry. Can't help it when I see "air conditioner" !
The 'condensate' should be plain water of course and finding color in it means one of two things. Antifreeze from a leaking heater core OR possibly dye use for A/C leak detection. Didn't think this car did but some came with dye from new! The dye probably won't wash off with water whereas the antifreeze will.
At any rate the core wouldn't be able to put antifreeze in the oil. I'm with Loren on this and think it's just condensation and perhaps just clean it now real good, check it often and perhaps change oil more frequently,
T
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blewinski
New User
Jan 20, 2009, 6:55 AM
Post #5 of 5
(4060 views)
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Re: Greenish Sludge under oil cap
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Tom -
Thanks for the reply! I am really hoping that it is just condensation; other than this the truck runs great. For now I will keep an eye on both the oil and coolant. If I make any other discoveries or there are any other happenings I will be sure to post them here. Anyhow I really appreciate the help you guys have given.
Thanks
Brett
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