I just got back from getting an oil change where I always go and in the middle of the oil change, the manager asked me if my car was running o.k. I told him yes and he showed me the underside of the oil cap and it had this yellow gunk on it. He said that there was moisture in the engine and that gunk was building up and that I needed to have the oil flushed with some solution for $10.00. He said that cars that sit all the time are especially susceptible to this. My CTS barely travels 5 miles a day. Less on the weekends.

Is this a problem I should be worried about? Should I have that "flush"?

Also, is the FRAM CA 9459 the correct air filter replacement? The oil change place didn't have one for my CTS in stock.

Thanks Guys!

I Use Castrol Syntec In My 4 Cadillacs Now!

I would consider getting the flush or at least taking it on a go long drive and then changing the oil. Your engine temperature is probably lower than normal so condensation is building up inside your engine. Regular motor oils will show what you saw under the fill cap. I believe using synthetic oils would make your engine less susceptible to this problem.

Take the car for nice drive at least once a week. Drive at least 25 miles. That's all you need to do. The drive train is designed to clean itself up when driven at normal speed and normal temperature. A longer trip once a month is also a good idea. The two postings above are good information, though. There aren't a lot of CTS's in any one community, so it's possible it won't be the exact number. But, there are interchange listings. You can go back and ask the place where you had the work done to verify it's the correct filter. If they balk, go to a auto parts store, and check their catalogs.

if you dont drive on regular basis, why dont you let ME drive your CTS once a week :burn:

if you dont drive on regular basis, why dont you let ME drive your CTS once a week :burn:

Make sure he includes a full tank of gas, a good credit card, and some snacks.

Whatever you do don't let them put a chemical flush into your engine, that stuff is bad news. I've heard many a time where a flush resulted in wiped engine bearings and failure of other internal components. That stuff under your oil cap is completley normal on a car thats driven on short trips. What happens is the motor doesn't run at temperature long enough to burn the natural condensation away that develops in the crankcase from heat cycling, etc. Every single vehicle I've owned had that gunk under the cap after a period of short trip use. Drive it longer distances and I bet it diappears.

I was curious so I just checked my CTS, and YES... I have yellow gunk under my oil cap as well. I only drive literally 1.5 miles to my business/work each way a day. Guess, I need to drive for longer distances...

I'm finding a lot of conflicting info on the web. Some people say the car isn't being driven enough, and others are saying possibly blown or soon to blow head gasket. Two completely opposite explanations. :hmm:

My coolant and oil levels are perfect. No white smoke chasing me down the road. No leaks, puddles, or stains in the driveway.
Could I be just paranoid? :hide: Any help appreciated, don't want to be fed BS by the dealership next week during my inspection.

Your motors fine, your in New York I see which is nearly as cold as it is up here in Canada this time of year. The cold weather makes it even harder to get the condensation out of the oil. My CTS, my buddy's Toyota Tundra, my Dad's CTS, and my Mom's Montana all have the same condition. I highly doubt they all need head gaskets heh.

Yep - go for a drive.....

Haven't looked at my CTS, but my old Dodge Dakota 4x4 had this in the winter - even with synthetic oil. But it had a bad location for oil fill - out in front of the engine just behind the rad.

Whatever you do don't let them put a chemical flush into your engine, that stuff is bad news. I've heard many a time where a flush resulted in wiped engine bearings and failure of other internal components. That stuff under your oil cap is completley normal on a car thats driven on short trips. What happens is the motor doesn't run at temperature long enough to burn the natural condensation away that develops in the crankcase from heat cycling, etc. Every single vehicle I've owned had that gunk under the cap after a period of short trip use. Drive it longer distances and I bet it diappears.

I'm with him, on my old Catera, they used to tell me to get a flush too, but cars really done need it. The flush will just ruin more things I bet.

Condensation is very common. To check if you have actual water in your oil. Pull the dip stick. It will be white and foamy if you have a problem. IF you have milky oil on the dip stick. DO NOT drive it. You have a major problem. It sounds absolutely like you have simple condensation. You can start the engine and look into the oil cap hole. See if the oil is milky.