First signs of the dreaded mayo

hello all
I was just having my daily tinker with me landy and I pulled the rubber breather hose off the oil filler tube, well it fell off more or less. The end that attaches to the filler tube was gummed up with the creamy grey gunk. I whipped the cap off the rocker cover and there was some signs off it in there but not too much, the wire gauze in the cap wasn't contaminated nor the dipstick. Do you think this is just condensation causing it cos I only tend to do short journeys or have it ticking over outside the house to prove to the neighbours that it works. Or, is it a sign of a bad head gasket? I'm going to take the rocker cover off when the new gasket arrives to do the tappets, how bad is bad? As always any advice is gratefully received.

Col

Check the water header tank for oil slick contamination or smell. Condensation can be a factor if not used regular but to get mayo it would be sitting a while and only turning over to keep the battery healthy. give the filter a good clean out by bathing in some petrol then wd40 to soak over night. same with tubes. When you take the rocker cover off clean off the cork residue and reseal the new cork with silcon bond. While off look at rocker area for any water in with the oil.

Thanks for your reply Saxavordian (interesting name) the water in the rad and expansion tank seems very clean, no signs of oil. Do you mean air filter? I have replaced the dustbin filter arrangement with a cartridge type just fixed to the top of the carb. The engine runs just fine even up hills, will do 55-60 on a long flat so if it is the head gasket it isn't too bad yet.

Col

I had this with my old S1 and scared me when I first saw it. I used it for short runs and this was the cause of a small amount of 'mayo' in the oil filler tube.


QUOTE="Colthebrummie, post: 3983677, member: 135159"]Thanks for your reply Saxavordian (interesting name) the water in the rad and expansion tank seems very clean, no signs of oil. Do you mean air filter? I have replaced the dustbin filter arrangement with a cartridge type just fixed to the top of the carb. The engine runs just fine even up hills, will do 55-60 on a long flat so if it is the head gasket it isn't too bad yet.

Col[/QUOTE]

I suspect it's from idling and short runs as this would create condensation - we've just exited the cold seasons too. Clean up and take her for a good 20 mile run and check again. I also dip my rad expansion tank and mark the water level with pen on the wood....check again after a good run when completely cold again and level should remain same.

Colthebrummie said:

Thanks for your reply Saxavordian (interesting name) the water in the rad and expansion tank seems very clean, no signs of oil. Do you mean air filter? I have replaced the dustbin filter arrangement with a cartridge type just fixed to the top of the carb. The engine runs just fine even up hills, will do 55-60 on a long flat so if it is the head gasket it isn't too bad yet.

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On the older types of engines the oil filler cap acted as breathers as the tube prevent pressure. The wire mesh collects all sorts in oil splash from the rocker and condensation from atmosphere when the cold or very cold temps is created within the rocker cover. V8 have two small versions that have similar issues. When I bought my LR110 3.5 V8 yonks ago the vehicle had been sitting idle all winter in Huddersfield and I guess only turned over to keep the flat battery resemble a spark of life. When I eventually came round to give it a mini service and to dry out from the dankness inside the cabin. I too notice the mayo in the tubes from breathers to my SU Carbs. My advise is to do a simple service filters oil water first. Also sometimes the debris in the sat fuel tank can bring up crud through the fuel lines or airleaks can cause issues of struggle. On another note my Avatar is of me on Parade at RAF Saxa Vord the best holiday camp invented by Billy Butlins. Regards John from a village outside London called England.

Thanks chaps. I'm feeling a bit more relaxed about it now. It's due a service so I'll do the oils and filters and keep an eye on the water level. I think I'll remove the filler tube and give it a good clean out before I change the engine oil. And from now on, whenever I use it, I'll go the long way round to ensure the engine gets good and warm.

Col

Condensation will be the cause for small amounts.