White smoke/steam from oil cap

Mandingo · 10-02-2011, 04:59 PM

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.

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

)

MattP725 · 10-02-2011, 08:26 PM

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

Mandingo · 10-02-2011, 09:01 PM

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).

azn370z · 10-02-2011, 10:23 PM

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

Jordo! · 10-02-2011, 10:29 PM

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.

MattP725 · 10-03-2011, 08:08 AM

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

Mandingo · 10-04-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP725

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.

10-02-2011, 04:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mandingo Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 625 Drives: '10 370z 6spd Rep Power: 3370	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. I'm running redline 5w30 filled to 1mm below high mark on dipstick (was a little overzealous in pouring during last oil change ) __________________ some mods

10-02-2011, 09:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mandingo Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 625 Drives: '10 370z 6spd Rep Power: 3370	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). __________________ some mods

10-02-2011, 10:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	I think you're supposed to check the oil after 15 minutes. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

10-02-2011, 10:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 418	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. __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

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10-02-2011, 08:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
MattP725 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2010 40th Rep Power: 17	I don't think oil would boil even at 300 but what are your temps looking like?

10-03-2011, 08:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
MattP725 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2010 40th Rep Power: 17	Lmao I have a mazda3 too. The dipstick is awful.