I recently found scum floating in the coolant reservoir and a paste coating the reservoir similar in consistency to mayonaise. Coolant level was low.

The oil on the dipstick was slightly green and the oil filler tube had more of that mayo-like substance on the dependent wall. Oil level was normal.

Short of someone making a Porsche sandwich could this be anything but an impending disaster?

 

Could be your oil cooler is failing. Get it to a P-Car mechanic.

 

Bad head gaskets?

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, and it could definitely be something less catastrophic, but this sounds an awful lot like the dreaded oil/coolant intermix that plagued some of the early cars. Most who have this problem opt for a reman engine from Porsche. I hope your problem is something less expensive. How many miles are on your car? Good luck, and let us know what you find out.

 

I've heard the mayo stuff is quite normal this time of year due to condensation in the filler cap (had it myself)...but it can also mean some sort of leak. Might do a search in the archives....

 

Hey everyone, I also just discovered this disturbing problem today. I have a 2002 911 which I dont drive all the time. About a month ago, I decided to make it my daily driver. As of today it has 12k miles. This morning I checked the oil from inside the car and it was on the lower side but still in the operating range. When I opened the oil filler cap, there was the alleged mayonnaise around the cap. I cleaned it all up and drove it about 50 miles today. Sitting in traffic i noticed that the oil pressure gauge was at 1 bar at idle. I gave accelerated till my RPMs reached 4k and the oil pressure was at right under 4 bar. I'm pretty sure at this RPM, the pressure should max out at the 5 bar mark. I pulled over and checked the filler cap again and I saw that there was coolant puddle on the plastic part under the filler. When i opened the oil filler cap, more of the mayo was there. The dip stick showed clean oil. There is no oil in the coolant expansion tank. I'm out of warranty on the time side but way under on the mileage side. I've recently spent $120k on a new 997 so I personally think I deserve to have this taken care of under warranty. The dealer disagrees so I'd like to resolve this issue without the dealer.

Any input would be appreciated.


Paul

 

"hold the mayo please" ...Sorry I just felt that needed to be said...

 

An oil/coolant mix would sound like a head gasket to me.

The mayo might just be condensation that got trapped under the oil cap. This is probably the case if you haven't driven the car in a while, or made a short trip in cold weather. I'd try to change the oil and see if the oil coming out is contaminated and if the problem happens again. Condensation will generally burn off but it's probably best to get fresh oil in there so you don't damage anything.

 

Mine was losing coolant rapidly and had oily scum in the coolant. A new engine was needed. I read a similar thread that did not involve fluid loss or change in the coolant appearance where simply an oil change and more driving solved the problem.

 

A oil analysis test will also show signs of coolant in the oil.

I get condensation junk under my oil filler cap but the oil change and analysis shows it is not coolant.