Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Richie stated in another thread that he noticed a white waxy substance on his engines dipstick. Same material observed on mine . This is always present regardless of engine manufacture and the oil used . Only seen on snow throwers so I am pretty sure it is temperature relatsd. What is it and does it cause any trouble?

Marc 

Marc,

When I did the first oil change I didn't notice any of the goo coming out of the drain tube, so you may be right.  If it isn't in the sump then my next thing to do is look at the O-ring seal on the dip stick.  I do tighten it down sufficiently, but maybe that thin O-ring seal isn't doing its job.  I may have to find something to help it seal.  I wonder if a very thin amount of vaseline rubbed on it will make a difference.  I'll have to find out if petroleum products will deteriorate it over time.

Richie I really don't know if you can keep that stuff rom forming in cold weather. I just would like to know what it is!

Marc

Moisture,condensation mixed with oil. GET IT ?????mml4 wrote:

Hi mml4,

Sometimes this accumulation on a dipstick is referred to as "mayonnaise" & is actually a form of sludge.  At times it can drag the dye out of some motor oils & actually take on an orange or red tint.

While it looks nasty, it is just the unavoidable crankcase moisture coming out of or combining with the oil at the surface & condensing on the dipstick or fill tube cap.

Usually, in a vehicle, this condition is an indication of short trips where the crankcase oil is not heated up to full operating temperature of 180-200 degrees F & hotter to drive out the moisture.

Blue

Hi Blue-

Assume you are Blue99 from the other forum!! Still refer to your treatise on synthetics from time to time!

Marc

Yep, Marc, it's nice to see all the old gang from WTB here on the new Abby's forum.

It's come a long way in just a couple of short months & has achieved most of the features of a full fledged forum!

Blue9R wrote:

Hi Blue,

That is exactly how I'd decribe it and exactly what it looks like