White smoke/steam from oil cap
 

I noticed some white smoke coming out of the oil fill inlet the other day. I've checked a couple times since, and its has the steam/smoke every time.

I got paranoid that perhaps my oil was frothing since it is right at the H mark on the dipstick (seems unlikely). So I drove around a bit and checked the dipstick within about 1 minute of killing the engine and found a lot of bubbles in the oil on the stick.

It seems like my oil level should be fine since its within spec though. Am I just overreacting? Could the white smoke mean I have a PCV issue? Bubbles on the dipstick normal? If it sounds like I'm clueless, its because I am with most car stuff. :tiphat:

I'm running redline 5w30 filled to 1mm below high mark on dipstick (was a little overzealous in pouring during last oil change :shakes head:)

I don't think oil would boil even at 300 but what are your temps looking like?

Oil temp hovered around 220 degrees today. Normal driving under 4k rpm in 78 degree weather (normal for my z unfortunately).

I don't mean to give the impression that the oil is boiling. Rather that it may be overfilled and coming in contact with the crankshaft counterweights which would whip it up into a froth, diminishing the oil's ability to lubricate. I doubt thats the case though since Im not above the High mark on the dipstick (unless the stick is as inaccurate as my mazda3's).

I think you're supposed to check the oil after 15 minutes.

I think that's actually normal... crankcase vapors.

Bubbles on the dipstick...? Does it look milky? That would suggest a head gasket leak, but it's probably fine.

Lmao I have a mazda3 too. The dipstick is awful.

Isn't it? Good lord. The car is so solid other than that silly oversight.

But on the smokey oil cap and bubbly dipstick: I'm just going to let this one go lol. Trying to break myself of my perfectionistic and overly cautious car habits.

Jordo- It isn't milky, thank goodness

azn370z- I wait 15 minutes when checking the level but had heard that you can tell if your oil is frothing by checking the dipstick for lots of little bubbles within a minute of shutting down the car.