Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2006 08:31:55 -0500 From: Fred W <Malt_Houndnospamm-me-not*yahoo.com> Subject: Re: '01 9-3SE Sludge?
J. Harris wrote: > Anyone have an idea as to what a white, soft foamy/sludge-like build up on > the end of the oil "dip-stick" could be? I'm inclined to think it may be an > early indicator of a bad head gasket or a developing case of the dreaded > sludge... FWIW, the car is a 5spd with 62K miles. Full synthetic oil used > and changed every 3K miles. Thanks in advance. No, sludge is usually darker than oil (black) in color. White or cream color foam indicates water contamination of the oil. This could be a blown head gasket. It can also occur if you only use the car for very short trips and never get the oil up to temperature to boil off any condensation. -- -Fred W