I am a newbie to the forum, and i was hoping i could get some assistance with an issue I'm experiencing.
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 4.7L V-8. I have always used a synthetic oil in this vehicle. Recently, I have noticed a beige mushy type material on the underside of the oil filler cap. Thus far I have heard the following:
1- i have been told that I am not allowing the vehicle to run long enough, allowing it to burn off the condensation buildup.
2- I have been told that the PCV valve could possibly be frozen.
3- I have been told that the baffle, underneath the oil filler cap needs to be replaced.

Quite frankly, i don't know which to believe. Really need some insight into the matter.
Thanks

 

Well, in a sense, they are all sorta right.

1. The condensation typically builds up in cooler weather and with short driving times. The oil doesn't heat up as much and for very long so the water vapor doesn't have a chance to exit the breather hose that is attached to the air intake to recylce the air which brings us to #2.

2. If the PCV is closed from deposits, it doesn't allow this water vapor to return to the air intake to be recycled (thus decreasing emissions). The PCV valve can be tested by placing your finger over the hose or depending on how accessible the actual PCV valve itself, by placing your finger over it at idle. There should be a good amount of suction.

3. The actual baffle itself does not need to be replaced, but can be pulled out and cleaned, then reinserted.

So, there it is in a nutshell. Hope that helped.

 

Thanks for your help. Whew!!!!!!!!!!for a minute there, i thought i was going to have serious work done to the vehicle at only 57K miles.

 

Just changed the oil in my truck... 20K, same condensation buildup under the lid of my cap... Nothing to worry about. Though it is wintertime here, probably helps it along.

 

Hey Rob (GL) do you have one of those baffle's in your oil filler neck also?

 

yea i had the same thing with some beige junk on the bottom of my oil cap and mine always runs for at least 30 to work easy. i wiped it off and will see if it continues or not and try cleaning that filter