White sludge

Mephy · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-06, 05:29 PM

Ok, so I took the oil cap off to add oil to my 98 a few days ago when I noticed some white sludge on the cap itself.... I know normally this could mean coolant in my oil, which will be a blown head gasket, but, it could also be from short drives here and there, which we do sort of.... we haven't driven it like we use to, just because my wife hasn't gone out much... any suggestions guys??? it does have a blown valve cover gasket, surprise surprise.. could that have anything to do with it??

inconnu · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-06, 10:06 PM

Same thing here too,i am thinking that it has something to do with ccold weather or i am just being optimistic

Mephy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-06, 09:43 AM

Well, I just found out as well, that since my valve cover gaskets leak, it's low on oil quite often, so the other day my brother-in-law was trying to be helpful and put some weird oil in it... something for motorcycles, but he said it was the same as car oil.. But, he doesn't realize just HOW sensitive these Cateras are... I think that may have something to do with it too... I'm gonna get the oil changed and hope the problem goes away....

inconnu · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-06, 11:38 AM

I changed the oil too but its the same thing,i never seen this stuff in summer,and when i check the dipstick there is no white deposit on that and the coolant level is fine too so i dont know whats going on if you come to know what is the reason let me know too .
Thanks

jebfrank · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-06, 04:20 PM

Have any of you guys had your oil coolers replaced yet? 97 and 98 with close to 100k should have them replaced if they already haven't.

inconnu · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-06, 04:47 PM

NO i dont think that oil cooler has been changed on mine,and i dont think its worth getting the thing changed because the kind of money i am getting in the trade in for this car (2000-2300$ CD) if some one else could shed some light on this thing about white sludge i will appreciate that. Thanks

Mephy · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-06, 10:34 PM

No, oil cooler has not been replaced, but, I'm not sure if I wanna do that either. It's already got 145K, plus, the valve cover gaskets need to be replaced, that's $600-$650 just for that... the oil cooler I think is at LEAST another $700.... I think I'm gonna get the oil changed and see if that helps.. I think it has to do with that "other oil" my brother in law added.... and the fact that it hasn't been driven for a long distance in awhile.

CtA318 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-06, 06:27 PM

Valve cover gaskets $650? My ass man. Get the part yourself for $50.00 from Advanced Auto Parts and do the work yourself. It's easy as shit.

Mephy · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-06, 09:44 PM

I would NEVER buy something like that from Advanced Auto Parts.... besides, I've checked Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Napa, CarQuest, and NO ONE had that part in stock... Cadillac dealer wants $119 a SIDE for it.. plus, I believe you have to loosen the back motor mounts to access the rear of the valve covers... maybe I'm wrong.. I'd rather pay a little extra for a warranty... other than that I do all my work most of the time.....

BTW inconnu, Cadillac dealer says it's quite common on cateras.. I think we're safe. =)

jebfrank · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-06, 12:58 AM

Wow $119 per each side! I just did gaskets for a friend on his 99. Normal price "Indiana" 83 bucks, I got them for 54 each. Not that hard to replace and the oil cooler isn't hard to replace either.