White residue on oil cap?

lilbugger · Post by **lilbugger** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:29 pm

I'm driving my bug down to it's winter home tomorrow and noticed white residue on the inside of the oil cap. I'm wondering if this is something to be concerned about? The oil itself looks dark, no sign of the white residue in it. Is this something to be concerned about or is it just from some condensation? Also, the dipstick shows I'm just above the bottom line, I read not to add oil unless it's below the bottom line. Should I add a little oil now?

fatalifeaten · Post by **fatalifeaten** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:24 pm

Moisture condensation. It's fairly common and shouldn't really be a huge issue. You might consider changing the oil before you park it, better to go to bed with a clean load of oil than let any potential crud sleep in there over the winter.

rokemester · Post by **rokemester** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 8:31 pm

There are two lines on the dipstick. You shouldn't drive the car unless the oil fill line is between the two marks. You need to check the oil level when the engine is stone cold, so you know that all the oils is in the sump. You don't want the oil over the top fill mark and you don't want the oil level below the second mark. I believe this indicates the engine is about a quart low on oil.

If the oil is dark, low and you have condensation (white residue) on the fill cap you are ready to change that oil. It is cheap insurance. If you are putting your Bug to bed for an extended period, even more motivation to change that oil. Don't forget to clean the screen and change the gaskets.

Boris1966 · Post by **Boris1966** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:49 pm

Hi there,
It's always advised to change the oil every 3000 to 5000 miles. I change the oil every 3000 miles and the engine runs really sweet. Sometimes youn can get some emulsification of the oil if it's old. Might it need changing?
It's really easy to chane the oil and it's sooooo satisfying watching that lovely honey coloured liquid puring into the engine.!

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:42 am

fatalifeaten wrote:Moisture condensation. It's fairly common and shouldn't really be a huge issue.

Exactly right. It's the froth from water evaporating from the oil, and shows up when the car gets driven in cold weather.

If the oil is just above the bottom line, I see no problem with topping it off between regularly scheduled oil changes.