What is this gunge on dipstick?

[DizzyNinja]

Last night I thought van was driving a bit heavy and hot air coming out of vents very quickly, within 2-3 mins of driving (although, it stayed at normal temp once reached). Indicated MPGs seemed poor.
Just gone to check oil and there is this grey goop all over the end of dipstick. I've wiped it and tried again, it comes back like this every time.
The oil was replaced as part of major service done by dealership only 3 weeks ago, they didn't highlight anything then. Since I've done maybe 200 miles.
I figure best not to drive it as could be a sign of a serious issue... Any advice?
I have the VW "all-in" plan - they are sending me a roadside assistance tech later this afternoon. Looks like I will have to put this warranty to the test. The van is not yet 4 years old and has 32k on the clock.

 

[Sasquatch]

That's an emulsion of oil and water.

 

[DizzyNinja]

That's an emulsion of oil and water.

Thanks. I have never seen this before, is it common? Are there any likely causes that stand out? Does it potentially indicate a serious fault?

 

[DaveD]

Thanks. I have never seen this before, is it common? Are there any likely causes that stand out? Does it potentially indicate a serious fault?

Are you losing coolant?

 

[DizzyNinja]

Are you losing coolant?

I don't think so - the level looks fine and there is no obvious contamination of the coolant. Nothing noted re coolant at the recent service.

 

[Rioja John]

This is normal and well documented on the forum, it’s normally with short runs and the engine oil doesn’t get up to temperature and condensation gets in the dipstick tube and filler neck incold weather.

 

[DaveD]

I don't think so - the level looks fine and there is no obvious contamination of the coolant. Nothing noted re coolant at the recent service.

As above then, but worth keeping a close eye on coolant level.

 

[Rioja John]

Tpi 2043895/3 - Condensed Water Formation On Oil Filler Neck

TPI 2043895/3 - condensed water formation on oil filler neck. Technical product information Transaction No.: 2043895/3 Service info: condensed water formation on oil filler neck Release date: 11-Dec-2017 Customer statement / workshop findings White paste/foam/sludge in oil filler neck. ...

www.t6forum.com

 

[DizzyNinja]

Tpi 2043895/3 - Condensed Water Formation On Oil Filler Neck

TPI 2043895/3 - condensed water formation on oil filler neck. Technical product information Transaction No.: 2043895/3 Service info: condensed water formation on oil filler neck Release date: 11-Dec-2017 Customer statement / workshop findings White paste/foam/sludge in oil filler neck. ...

www.t6forum.com

Thanks, there is condensation in the filler neck, but it looks different. This is the oil in the sump - the TPI you linked mentions to check the oil level, but the presence of this emulsion covering the dipstick makes checking the level impossible!

 

[bluezie]

Dip it and wipe dozens of times to get rid of the oil emulsion in the tube, then the true colour of the oil in the sump should show.
Could the dip stick have been not fully plugged home, so the O ring seals, allowing crankcase to breath up the tube?
I get mayonnaise in the filler tube in the winter, but never in the dipstick tube.

 

[Howzat]

I wouldn't be happy if I saw that on the dipstick either. Get the oil tested.
What did assist say?

 

[Sasquatch]

That looks rather more than I would expect to see from simple condensation.

 

[Dellmassive]

thats comming from the sump. . . not the oil filler neck.

so try as @bluezie says and try to clean the dipdtick tub of sludge,

if it doesnt clear and the oil is contaminated,

then:

i would take that van to the garage/dealer straight away for a check over.

looks like oil/water mixed.

possible loosing coolant, or been incorrectly topped up with something.

keep us posted with the findings.

 

[DizzyNinja]

Thanks everyone for your advice.
The VW tech said straight away that it was condensation and was really common this time of year, particularly with short journeys like I have been doing. After re-dipping a couple more times you could see normal oil on it again. He's done all his checks and reassured me there's no problem with the van. That's a huge relief
He also showed me the TPI linked above!

A local mechanic I asked went straight to talking like it was new engine time, guess he likes being dramatic...