Technical Gunge around inside of oil fill hole on 1.0

[tigershoot]

I got my car two weeks ago. 29,500 miles. Full service history from Fiat. It was serviced 2.5 weeks ago just before I took delivery.
Today I tried to find the dipstick and discovered that it's connected to the filler plug. However when I opened the plug, I can see a lot of creamy gunge in there on the left side. I have never seen this in any car I have had. Is this a sign of a head gasket failure? I guess it's oil and water being mixed. Is this normal on this engine?

 

[Greasytrucker]

I got my car two weeks ago. 29,500 miles. Full service history from Fiat. It was serviced 2.5 weeks ago just before I took delivery.
Today I tried to find the dipstick and discovered that it's connected to the filler plug. However when I opened the plug, I can see a lot of creamy gunge in there on the left side. I have never seen this in any car I have had. Is this a sign of a head gasket failure? I guess it's oil and water being mixed. Is this normal on this engine?

I wouldn’t be panicking just yet, you often get this due to condensation if the car has only been used for local runs, or a lot of starting and stopping without fully warming up from where you bought it from. Yes it can be a sign of head gasket failure but don’t jump to conclusions

 

[tigershoot]

I would have thought that the mechanic would clean it out before adding new oil. Maybe they don't bother.

 

[Greasytrucker]

I would have thought that the mechanic would clean it out before adding new oil. Maybe they don't bother.

Might have been since it was changed if it’s a couple of weeks depending on how it’s been used. If there’s no misfire, it’s not using any oil or water and no warning lights i’d just use it and enjoy it

 

[The Panda Nut]

Panda 0.9 is exactly the same and I am told its normal. I have made extensive enquiries and believe this is true. I showed mine to 4 of the longest established Fiat dealers on the UK. ALL said the same thing.

I have had the engine flushed butthis only stops the condensation for a short time. If the water header is clean, and the water level is constant and does not drop then I would not over react. Modern sealed crank cases dont breath like engines of old, so this occurs. You can take the oil cap off after a good run and some water will evaourate to athmosphere. Make sure you replace this before starting the engine or you will loose a lot of oil!!! A catch can in the breather pipe if you can add one will help, but then would need emptying weekly without fail to avoid problems. I have two cars with catch cans where condensation related mayonaise n the oil has been 100% eliminated. My TA Panda has no room for such luxuries so I try not to look or over think the issue. Its stiil riuns fine. This issue seems more cosmetic than anything.

 

[RichardH13]

They may have serviced it, but it will not have got really hot and evaporated the condensation off.

Needs to be fully warmed up for a decent run and it will be fine