Recently changed the oil on my 03 dodge ram 4.7. It's been about 3 weeks and 2k miles some the oil change. I used Mobil 1 5w30. It seems like there's something else in it. Can someone confirm my findings? It's not like the usual oil film on a dipstick.

 

That looks like rust (which would not be good).

 

Agreed.
In fact...... Is there any oil on that stick??
Al.

 

Yes, there is. It's hard to get a good picture of this though. That was the best I could get. We had this issue almost a year ago too. Then it went away. The oil drained didn't seem to have any if this contamination. The dipstick tube is fil of it though. It seems like it comes and goes. Could this be due to moisture getting in through the dipstick? Maybe the seal isn't sealing. I will try to get a better picture today.

 

Also, when I checked the dipstick, it seemed to have something else in it. Wanted to say coolant, but smells more like fuel. It has that oil/water looking mixture. I can see the separation between the two on the dipstick.

 

I hate to say it but that looks like the classic signs of a head gasket failure. Are you losing any coolant? Any check engine lights? THAT much moisture should not be getting in the oil, even if the engine bay is open and being rained on.

Change the oil again and see how much is actually in the oil you drain, but unless you yourself poured or saw someone pour water into your oil, get compression checks done and start stacking your bills for a head gasket job. Im willing to bet your losing coolant too.

 

I am losing coolant, but I also have a Tstat housing leak. I had the heads replaced just over 10k miles ago. This really sucks that I will be doing this again.

 

I just changed the oil 3 weeks ago with no signs of contaminated oil. This has come up before as well, about a year ago. I will get it all checked out.

 

Don't know much, but I do know that water is mixing with your oil somewhere. How much coolant are you losing?

 

I honestly couldn't tell you how much. My tstat housing was leaking a little, which I replaced the gasket today. Hopefully it stops the leak.

I did check the oil first thing in the morning, before starting at about 35*F. It had a similar look, except it was more level and the appropriate lines. There was a little moisture in the oil. I ran it for about 10 miles and let it sit for a few minutes. the moisture was mostly gone. Didn't look anything like it did in the picture I posted.

I want to believe it's a head gasket just so I know where to go with this. I'd hate to spend money and fine out it wasn't the problem. I have put about 15-20k miles on the reman heads(2009).