mic575

I was changing the oil in my 07 RX350 at 120k miles and noticed a white residue in the oil cap. Have any of you seen this before? I am not losing coolant that I can tell and the rest of the oil looks normal. Using Mobil 1 5w-30.

I am thinking its either because it has been very cold here and most of my trips are only about 6 miles so its condensation. Alternatively, I have a bigger problem, like maybe a head gasket. I am planning to run the new oil for 500 miles and have the oil tested, while keeping a close eye on things just to be safe.

Is this normal, have others seen this with the 3.5 in cold climates or do you think I have a bigger problem?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

I also think condensation especially if your trips are shorter than 10 miles. Take it on a drive this sunday, maybe come to Chicago for some pizza, it'll burn away LOL.

mic575

Thanks for the responses! I do hope you are right. I'm not losing coolant that I can tell so, hopefully I'm good.

Chicago....pizza... mmmm... perfect! That sounds like the best solution to the problem

ukrkoz

Yeahh.. Should it have been a VW, they would have told you it's normal. Or, a large truck engine with helluva empty space for water/oil vapor to accumulate and condensate. You sorta need to pull bank 2 valve cover and looksy onto its innards. Should there be more of that frappe, then yes, Houston...

daddiojigg

i agree with ukrkoz.COOLANT(yikes).

tus

I'm guessing it's just the normal blow by from the cylinders that is condensing on the cold plastic cap. Water is a by product of combustion and there will always be some that will get past the piston rings.

Have to second this suggestion, take it for a long drive. The other reason to do this is if you never get the exhaust hot enough it will start collecting water and eventually rust out on you. Not as big of a problem these days but it will still happen.

crimedog

It's normal, especially in cold weather. Don't think you have anything to worry about.

05RX330AWD

Unfortunately the Blackhawks are on the road, then you can also invite mic575 to see if the Blackhawks can maybe win a game at home ...
then again, Chicago pizza is worthwhile on it's own for the trip.
I also take very short trips in winter, it's most likely been & is colder here in the Great White North, will check for similar residue & post later.

05RX330AWD

Finally removed the 7" of snow on the hood, no residue whatsoever on the oil cap, it's been to the extreme cold to cold to just above freezing at various times.