UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

This morning found a big problem, white stuff on the oil filler cap. I know this is bad. I changed the oil a couple of weeks ago and didn’t see any slug. I don’t know if it is caused by the fact that my cams cover seal needs changing as some oil is leaking out of it. What does the white sludge mean on my filler cap, is it a big job?

my car is a 1997 1.4 8v polo!

sounds like you need a new head gasket.

Big job Im afraid & quiete pricey. Get it checked asap.

Another thing I wanted to know is will this have damaged my engine, will it be as normal after I get the gasket changed or it is permanently damaged?

Don't worry just yet matey. There's alot of hype on the subject and there isnt a solid discussion as to why this happens. It happened to me and i immedieately thought 'Oh! I need a new bloody gasket!' but i wiped it off and checked again a few days later. There was less of it and i realised that since i had begun longer journeys, allowing the car to heat up to running temperature for long periods of time and using the engine at higher RPM's (eg. on a motorway) it clears up. So i thought id put it to the test. I cleaned the filler cap completely and took the car for a good two hour trip consisting of motorways and dual carraigeways etc, and upon arrival at home, i checked again and the oil was very clean. Do you use your car for short journeys often, such as going to the shop, switching off the engine, coming out of the shop and driving straight back home? If so, this doesnt make an engine happy and there bound to be some outcome (in this case the sludge).

Theres alot to read but i had the exact same problem a few months ago and im still driving on the same gasket up to now; with no sludge.

U make a really good point mate, cos this is the first time ive noticed any sludge on the cap and for the past two weeks or so ive only been using the car for work and back which is a ten min journey. Another think ive noticed is that the cars been running fine and i haven’t noticed any problems like over heating. What do u think i should do, go to a garage or just drive it?

It's better to tackle the problem early before it spreads.

If you just take it to the garage you'll manage to get some free advice.

Show them the problem & they'll tell you what they think it is.... and just tell them you'll come later.... If its something simple you can do yourself then it's all good....

Personally...I'd get it checked just to be safe.

Good luck in sorting it out!! (keep us updates what the problem is/was)

mysteryboy wrote:It's better to tackle the problem early before it spreads.

If you just take it to the garage you'll manage to get some free advice.

Show them the problem & they'll tell you what they think it is.... and just tell them you'll come later.... If its something simple you can do yourself then it's all good....

Personally...I'd get it checked just to be safe.

Good luck in sorting it out!! (keep us updates what the problem is/was)

Go to some you trust or from a good reccomendation.

Just took it for a long spin down the motorway, after half an hour took the filler cap off and there was no while stuff on it. Thanks for the advice, tomorrow ill take it to a mate’s garage and let him have a look at it.

Glad to hear it. Its nasty shelling out on repairs. Good luck

get it tested using this liquid stuff at a garage.
mine always goes white , it the weather that does it, were the engine doesnt get warm, condensation .

As above dont worry yourself too much, caused by moisture in the oil, when my mum had my car it had white sludge all the time because she just tootled around in it, but the Service History is meticulous with oil changes exactly as needed and still drives as new.

I am a long distance driver for the most part and havent seen any as yet, regular oil changes and an engine flush every now and again sort it out