2004 Dakota 2WD Quad Cab V6 3.7L w/ 85,000 miles
I'm halfway through an oil change today and after draining the pan I'm having a really tough time getting the oil cap off to refill. I finally get it off and see this inside (photo) http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/IMG_0175.jpg

Rust coloured with a bit of milky white residue inside the oil fill tube. I'm thinking that's due to water vapour. There are no other symptoms... No drop in fuel economy, oil drained from the pan is dark, but not milky or brown at all and no water. No loss of oil, other fluid levels check fine. Dipstick is nice and oily. Could it be something as simple as the season changes (I'm in Canada) or is it worse news?

 

If the oil doesn't resemble a chocolate milkshake, the rusty, milky residue under the cap isn't something to be worried about. You live in a fairly wet climate, and short trips usually aren't enough to burn off water vapors (vapours for our northern cousins!) in the oil. The rusty colo(u)red deposit is a light coating of oil sludge.

Ten minutes on the freeway will get the oil hot enough to get the water vapors out.

 

Yeah if your oil looks fine don't worry.

Check your coolant as well to make sure your head gasket isn't leaking.

 

Yeah coolant is nice and green. Level is good. I've never seen this before in any of my vehicles. Granted, I've only owned this Dakota for 12 months but it sure surprised me.

But you guys are right, I've been posted to a new town and I usually only make 10 min trips here and there. Thanks for the reassurance. I took off that cap initially and saw head gaskets flash before my eyes

 

X5 = no worries

 

My 4.7 looks the same. I drive about 12 miles a day 6 miles to work and 6 back home.