Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Frozen water droplet on dipstick?

[cramseyc]

I was just curious if anyone has ever had this and thoughts on what remedies or trouble shooting might be. Last week when I pulled the dipstick the morning after driving to my parents place (3hr drive) I noticed a very small dab of something (2mm in dia. ) at the tip of the dipstick when I put it between my fingers it melted. I have been losing some coolant but I attributed it to an old radiator leak. Could it be something besides coolant? I haven’t noticed it since because I have been plugging in the block heater since then, which is what I usually do. 96 12v auto 253k no major engine work to my knowledge, I purchased at 140k.

 

[TBartlett1]

I assume it was quite cold the morning you checked the oil.

Moisture does accumulate in the oil but is usually driven out when the engine is thourghly warmed up. Moisture can accumulate in the top of the engine and a little bit on the tip of the stick is not unusual as long as the oil itself does not look milky.

It is possible that the head gasket is starting to leak but with the radiator leaking you can't know for sure.



Tim

 

[hsmith]

If you think you may be seeing frozen coolant, remember, coolant is antifreeze.

Condensation droplets, possibly.

 

[KOG]

If you suspect a coolant leak, pull the oil drain plug. Coolant will be on the bottom of the pan and will drain first. And if it gets into the oil system you be losing an engine RIGHT NOW!

 

[cramseyc]

Thanks for the thoughts, I will try to get it inside and drain some off the bottom. I have been doing a lot more idling due to cold and the fact that most of my driving is now just around town because I'm at school. So hopefully its just condensation. Also any thoughts on an inexpensive oil analysis, currently east central IL.