[Tim]

If this is indeed condensation caused from a weather change or infrequent use, then typically it is nothing to worry about. The key is to check your dip stick and exhaust. If you see beads of moisture on the dipstick and white smoke coming out of the exhaust of a warm engine, this can indicate a head gasket leaking coolant into the oil system, which is not good. If this is the case, see a mechanic to determine if you do have a more serious problem. A coolant system pressure test can help to get answers. However if you see no moisture on the dip stick and a clean, clear exhaust gas coming out of a warm engine, then it may be just be condensation on the metal surfaces of the crankcase and valve covers and oil cap. Try to wipe it off the cap and out of the filler tube and check it again in a few days. If it is condensation, it is generally minimal moisture in the system and heat can help burn off and purge this moisture. [links]

[vess]

In most cases the white sludge is moisture. The real question is how did moisture get in your engine. Determining how the moisture got into the engine will tell you whether this is nothing to worry about or if it's something more serious. Causes can range from condensation from weather changes to a blown head gasket. more

[macje6645]

Jeep Project CJ-7

An ongoing Budgeted Rebuild/Build up of a Rock Crawling Machine.

[Vic]

Cleaning an engine with a high pressure spray is a good way to force moisture into the seals, under the oil cap and into places where moisture shouldn't be. Use caution when cleaning an engine. Use low pressure and be careful not to spray directly at your seals or inlets like the oil cap, power steering fluid cap, transmission dip stick and air intake. Moisture in these areas can do more harm than good. Dirt on the outside of an engine does far less harm than moisture in the engine.

[sstsf]

RTI / Ramp Travel Index What it is and how to calculate it, with and without the ramp.

[Iron47]

Most motor vehicles have coolants that feature a bright lime, green or orange color. Newer models have a plastic reservoir in the engine compartment either at the front of the engine near the radiator or against the firewall. Without removing the cap, a vehicle owner can simply look at the reservoir to observe its level and color. Older vehicles may not have a reservoir. This requires the owner to remove the pressurized radiator cap when the engine is off and cold to inspect the fluid level and color. A milky, gray or dark color is apparent if the coolant has leaked into the combustion chambers and missed with the motor oil. The odd color in the coolant is diluted oil. By mixing the two liquids, they become diluted and fail to do their job, which is for the coolant to cool the engine and the oil to lubricate the parts. [links]

[jesmurf]

The automobile engine’s head gasket is a copper or steel seal fitted between the cylinder heads and the engine block. It the engine remains sealed to allow the spark plugs' spark to explode in the combustion chamber under pressure. The head gasket also keeps the coolant and motor oil separated from the chambers and serves as a passageway for the liquids to flow. Neither liquid is mixed. A blown head gasket occurs during overheating when the engine runs at an excessive temperature due to loss of coolant, or blockage in the coolant hoses or radiator. Some engines are prone to head gasket failure due to manufacturing flaws, but this is generally rare. more

[morpheus]

The casual car owner who rarely looks under the hood of his car may not notice the coolant’s color. However, other warning signs become apparent if the head gasket needs attention before severe damage occurs. Perhaps the most obvious symptom is the engine overheating. The coolant can’t do its job if it’s mixing with oil and its cooling properties are compromised. The exhaust exhibiting a gray or white color is another sign of coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. The dashboard’s temperature gauge needle will rise above the mid-level mark. Most passenger cars and light-duty pickup trucks operate with the temperature gauge needle at the mid-level more or a fraction above it. An overheating engine will send the needle well above its standard position, if not pegged at the highest point. Leaking coolant is another symptom. The engine also may be frequently stalling, stuttering or jolt. This is usually a sign of abnormal combustion and the engine is close to failure.

[ashley01]

A milky color in an automobile’s coolant could be the sign the engine has blown a head gasket, and may lead to catastrophic failure of the engine. The odd milky, gray or chocolately coloring is one of several symptoms the engine is in deep trouble. Although it is possible another source contaminated the coolant, car owners should err on the side of caution and immediately take their vehicle to a mechanic for inspection.

[danny9robert]

By the time an automobile owner observes a milky, gray or chocolatey color in the coolant, the odds are the head gasket has already lost its seal and the engine suffered serious damage. A foreign liquid may have been introduced into the coolant, causing the change in color and may not affect the engine’s cooling, but this is unlikely.

[pull]

Not only can this degradation lead to an annoying tapping noise but it can also decrease engine efficiency, and therefore power. A worn down camshaft or tappet will result in a valve not opening to its pre-set lift distance, restricting the air/fuel mixture that’s trying to rush into the cylinders. In extreme cases where this problem has been neglected for many thousands of miles, the lack of lubrication could lead to expensive damage to the components within the valvetrain, with the camshaft being the priciest part to damage. here

[altsa]

If these changes make no difference to the tappet noises, a full tappet adjustment should be the next move. Using a feeler gauge to wedge between a rocker arm and the valve stem, a factory setting can be found through a workshop manual to adjust the valve adjustment screw to the correct clearance. And if your engine STILL rattles after the adjustment, you’re looking at large labour costs for tappet, valve or even camshaft replacements.

[anypromo180]

So although the tapping sound coming from the engine’s head may in fact be a problem with the tappets specifically, it could also be a problem with the camshaft, rocker arms, valves or even just a lubrication problem. more

[joshuaissac]

There's nothing worse than a rough, rattling engine, often referred to as being 'tappety'. So what causes this unwanted tapping sound?

[NuAngel]

Checking the viscosity of the oil should be the first port of call, as this could potentially be the easiest fix. If the wrong oil has been used within your car, the lubrication of the many moving parts within the valvetrain will be altered from the conditions that the components are designed for. A more and less-viscous oil than necessary would lead to a lack of lubrication, leading to noisy metal-on-metal contact. Therefore using the correct grading of oil for your engine is essential for smooth operation. [links]

[Iskender]

also wondering why there are 4 small holes in the side(if u look closely), is that normal? and on the opposite side from the prop, just above the pic, theres another hole which water pees out when its running. [links]

[DevoJinx]

Haha. So Walmart brand lower unit lube is good? If I'm gonna be changing it frequently, then I don't want to put $9/bottle every time. It has new upper and lower seals on the prop shaft and spaghetti seal. Could it be something by where the driveshaft goes thru the water pump housing?

[nrtr]

Re: What could happens if u run your motor with milky gearcase oil?

[BrightAnarchist]

I use Johnson/evinrude high vis heavy duty formula. I'll try to get some pics on here today. [links]

[dooglus]

Re: What could happens if u run your motor with milky gearcase oil? [links]