I did an oil change earlier today and had some white milkshake sludge come out when I pulled the plug on the pan. It wasn't a large amount, but enough to notice. There was also some on the end of the plug.

The last oil change before this one didn't have any white sludge at all. I just started using Rotella T6 5W40 synthetic (cold climate up here in WI) for that oil change. I also put in some Marvel Mystery oil and used a Mobile 1 M1-301 Oil Filter.

I check the oil level and color every week or so. I always had good chestnut brown color (not black) and a good level. I didn't have to add any at all.

I don't really have a noteworthy amount of coolant go missing. (sorry I have no idea what the below levels equate to in an actual amount.)

10/13/2012 - 101,344mi - filled about 1/4inch in tank to Max line
01/10/2013 - 102,593mi - filled about 1/2inch in tank to Max line
02/11/2013 - 102,844mi - Bleed Coolant system. Thought it might solve my slow heater problems. Filled to Max line after bleed.
12/17/2013 - 106,336mi - added about 1/2inch in tank to Max line
03/29/2014 - 107,719 - I could probably add about 1/8in to the tank to max line

That doesn't seem like a ton of coolant needed. I have to put alot more in my Subaru.

In the winter I generally drive the rover back and forth to work (about 1.5 mi each way) on city streets, so it's mostly short trips that it takes. In September through November it becomes my off-road hunting vehicle, so takes 110mi round trips 2 or 3 times a week.

I don't really get any smoking or odd coolant smells on start up or idle that I've noticed (I plan on watching it alot closer now).

I pulled the spark plugs. They look normal, no steam cleaned look.

I do have a slight oil drip that drips off the pan. It'll start dripping only if it's been sitting for 10 hours or more. Then it's maybe 1 drip an hour.

What do you guys think? Concerning? Headgasket issue? Something worse?

Sorry for the blurry pictures.

 

Start buying a rebuild kit

 

Don't drive it anymore and fix it. Your on borrowed time if your still driving it. It's probably a minor head gasket leak, but minor turns major really fast and will mess your truck up pretty bad. The kit is 300$ w/ studs, so buy it, and get your heads machined.


Best of luck,
Dane.

 

Bummer, I thought it was going to be a head gasket. I was just hoping it was my short trips combined with the Marvel additive that cause it.

Is there anything else I should replace while I'm in there? Oil pump maybe? I supposed I should pull the oil pan off to check it out as well. I have a new set of wires I'll put on while I have the heads off. That should make it easier.

 

I would say get the block pressure tested first to make sure it is your headgaskets. and not something else. I don't think you need to take off your front cover to pull the heads, not sure. although if my head gasket blew, I'd rebuild the top end (new cam and hydraulic lifters) and rebuild the front cover components also (timing gears, chain, oil pump, water pump) just because I'm down there already.


Also,
sorry to hear about this,
hope all goes well,
Dane.


EDIT: I totally meant the coolant system pressure tested like stated below

 

One of the most common failure points is the timing case gasket where it meets the block and sandwiched by the timimg cover. It is often overlooked due to immediate conclusion it must be head gaskets !

Often occurring after a water pump replacement the case relaxes and stresses an already distressed old gasket. There is also a hidden through bolt of sorts on the water pump to timing case which is often not installed or excessive goop like silicon gasket maker gets bottomed in the threaded block pocket and doesn't clamp the back gasket properly. Over a short period of service block pressure ruptures the gasket and coolant leaks into the timimng case and you have the mil shake effect.
Always check this before tearing into the heads & gaskets.

T/V

 

you need to borrow or rent a pressure test and find if you leak is in the head-gaskets or the timing cover after that you can decide what to do

 

Thanks T/V that's good to know. I will check that first.

drowssap, that's a coolant system pressure test you're referring to (as opposed to a block pressure test), correct ?

 

that would be correct

 

Ok, I will get ahold of a coolant system pressure tester. I think I have one somewhere.