ML320 petrol, 2000 model, white gunk in oil filler cap!

[craigyd007]

hi

i`ve got a problem, white mayonnaise like gunk in the oil filler neck and cap of my ml320 - wishfull thinking thought it was just because it`s only been used recently for short trips, but took it for a good long run and the problems got worse...
so i know i`ve got water getting into the oil but where is the most obvious place it would get through....
its now done 75,800 miles but its got fmbsh....
i`m just hoping its not the head gasket ( even though it sounds like it to me)
any suggestions would be gratefully recieved
Craig:???:

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Have you noticed any drop in coolant level?

 

[craigyd007]

none whatsoever i also checked the expansion vessel and that does not seem to be pressurising ?????????

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Places where i have seen problems are as you said one of the head gaskets, cracked heads or the oil cooler leaking.
If its a head gasket then that would not nesseserly pressure up the coolant it could of gone across a coolant and oil jacket. However head gasket failures are very rare on the 112 and 113 engines.
If you have had over heating problems then a cracked head is possible.
I have known of a few oil coolers to begin leaking, this is one of the only points where the coolant and oil come togther as such, if one of the coolers veins becomes porous this can allow coolant to enter the oil.

If you say you have lost no coolant then this casts doubts on these possibilities!

 

[Bolide]

If there's no drop in coolant level then it's not coolant. So it must be condensation from short journeys

Replacing the cap might solve the problem with the header tank. They're £5-ish from a dealer

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Maybe try a engine flush and then a oil and filter change first, then monitor the situation for a while

 

[craigyd007]

ok i will take to a local garage for them to give me a second opinion, then try doing the engine flush and replacement cap....
i`ll keep you posted
Thanks
Craig

 

[mlc]

As a Ford owner for many years they used to suffer espically in the 80's with blocked breathers, and lots of white gunk. I was always taught that every gallon of petrol used generated a gallon of water to be vented, sadly I have never looked how the engine vents on our MB's, but I would be checking on the air induction for a blocked vent from the rocker area.

On the other hand what do I know

Mark.

 

[jberks]

my 240 v6 block always had mayo in the cap. It was the same whether I was pottering round town or screaming down the motorway. Assuming it's not excessive (and the coolant level isn't dropping) I wouldn't worry about it.
Its probably quite normal. If in doubt, have the oil changed and check the old stuff for water.

 

[television]

And I am another one that would say that if the water level is not changing then dont worry

 

[robbo]

Nothing to worry about, this is completely normal with M112 engines in cold weather.

Dont waste any money trying to fix it cuz it aint broken!