Crud in my oil cap

[PaulG]

I'm not much of a gearhead, but I have a feeling this isn't good. I'm hoping I'm over reacting.

I have a 1999 CE, and while checking my oil, I noticed all this crud in the cap (see picture). I realize now that it has probably been there all along (since I got the car) but I had just never really paid attention. I'm assuming this is sludge, but I have no idea really. The engine has ~150k miles (over 50k of those are mine) on it, but I'm fairly religious on my oil changes. I'm about 200 miles from a change and it is still very clear, not really dirty at all.

Should I be worried about this? Or could it be from the previous owner burning oil, and there is no long term damage?

http://www.thegibsonkin.com/corolla/crud_oil_cap.jpg

[PhatRoyale]

Sludge on the oil cap does not necessarily mean that the engine is in poor condition. My car has the same thing on it and is running perfectly. It's normal.

[PaulG]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

Sludge on the oil cap does not necessarily mean that the engine is in poor condition. My car has the same thing on it and is running perfectly. It's normal.

Thank God! I was hoping it was nothing. Thanks!

[mvftw]

What you don't want to see is chocolate milk under the cap... that means you blew a head gasket...

[ShawnM]

Ya, its normal. When the oil dosent circulate it starts to cook along with the moisture in the air, which is what you see on the cap.

[96_9c1]

The moisture under the valve cover rises to the highest point, which is under the oil cap. I clean my cap at every oil change to monitor any changes.

If you have never cleaned your cap and you have some moisture under the cap, it may still be ok, because of the moisture rising.

This is also happens more so in the winter months.

Just clean it every oil change and watch for changes

[punter]

That doesn't look great, it has probably missed out on a few oil changes at some point.

Shouldn't cause any problems at all though, just ignore it.

[PaulG]

Good deal. I'll clean it out and just keep an eye on it. Thank you all for your responses!