Should I be concerned?

I've got a 2001 with a 3.4L with just shy of 195,000 miles on it. I don't drive it too hard and I am staying on top of maintenance.

As I was changing the oil yesterday, I noticed some gunk on the inside of the oil filler cap (see pic). It wiped out easily and was about the consistency of pudding. I also found traces on the dipstick. I have never noticed it before. I'm using Amsoil OE 5W-30 and change both oil and filter regularly.

Is this a sign of sludge buildup or worse? When I had my valve covers off a year or two ago, it looked great inside. What can I do to remedy the situation?

 

It's fine. It's the environment, I.e. Moisture in the air, nothing you can do about it.

Inquire further reading here, http://www.offroaders.com/tech/milky-stuff-under-oil-cap.htm

 

Do you drive it at freeway speed everyday? The engine needs to be run for around 10-15 min at freeway speeds to burn off the moisture that accumulates. Looks like you do mostly shorter type trips, just based off of that oil cap.

 

I agree with both statements above. Its good to run the engine at least a couple times a month down the freeway. Lets the motor heat up really well and burns any condensation that could gather inside the oil cap and dipstick tube. If your weather has been really crazy lately (like here 20 one day an 60+ the next) it can really cause some condensation issues.

 

When you change your oil next, look at the oil coming out. If that's milky then investigate. In the cap and a little on the stick is nothing as Hondah said.

 

Condensation now if all the drain oil in the pan is that color you might have some problems

 

Thanks all. You pegged my driving habits and weather both. 50+ yesterday and snowing today.

I will make it a point to take some scenic drives each week.