cream in oil cap

[jets]

The temp gauge sat slightly above the cold mark all the way.
I'm assuming the temp would be due to the outside temp of about 5-7 degrees C,Plus the fact its also been raining most of the way so that could be another factor.

My opinion is the temp is too cold. All diesels run halfway on the gauge [90 degrees C] I have not owned a petrol but in the interest of emissions & fuel economy the designers normally have them running quite hot.
Many years ago I owned a MK2 GTI golf. When I bought it is was running cool. The PO said it had always run at that temp. Not satisfied, I pulled out the thermostat & checked it & it was opening far too early. After fitting a new t/stat the fuel consumption improved considerably. BTW it's worth checking the new one before installing.

[jets]

[QUOTE=gregozedobe;193120]I bow to your superior knowledge of T4 engines. If the 2.0 petrol wasn't available in the UK they wouldn't have any experience of problems with the water pump in that engine. Does the 2.0 petrol have a different waterpump to the 2.5 and 1.9 diesels then ? A waterpump leaking coolant into the oil still has to be a suspect given his symptoms (even if it isn't known as a frequent problem for 2.0s).



I don't think any of the T4 pumps leak water into the oil, it's only on the T5s[different design] On the 4 cyl engines, including the 1.9s, the water pump is "outside' the cam belt drive & is not normally replaced until it leaks. The reason it is suggested to change the pump on the 5 cyl [maybe every second belt change] is that being driven by the timing belt, if the pump siezes it will bring the house down.

[gregozedobe]

The temp gauge sat slightly above the cold mark all the way.
I'm assuming the temp would be due to the outside temp of about 5-7 degrees C,Plus the fact its also been raining most of the way so that could be another factor.

I agree with Jets. Prime suspect is a faulty (or even missing) thermostat. The thermostat should maintain the engine at the design temperature, regardless of outside weather conditions (within normal limits). On a trip that long with that speed and load your engine should be running at the normal temp.

As a confirmation of this theory (faulty thermostat), do you find that the cabin heater isn't very hot ?

If it is a faulty thermostat, once you replace it you might find the engine runs better and gets slightly better fuel economy too.

Let us know what you find out.

[gregozedobe]

I don't think any of the T4 pumps leak water into the oil, it's only on the T5s[different design] On the 4 cyl engines, including the 1.9s, the water pump is "outside' the cam belt drive & is not normally replaced until it leaks. The reason it is suggested to change the pump on the 5 cyl [maybe every second belt change] is that being driven by the timing belt, if the pump siezes it will bring the house down.

Thanks for that info Jets, now I know much more about why people say to replace water pumps on T4s (this forum is a wonderful source of knowledge , and so many helpful people too ).

[jets]

I am pleased to have been some help.

[Silver Caravelle]

I also concurr with the other postings. The engine temp should be spot on 90 degrees when warmed up to mormal operating temperature....therefore a new thermostat is required in your case.

Regular short journeys in cold weather (less than say 30 mins as mentioned) will definately cause condensation (a milky oily substance) under the oil filler cap. If the oil on the dip stick is not milky, it should be fine in terms of no head gasket issues. Unless you are doing more than 30 or so minutes of driving the condensation will not generally disappear (particularly in winter)....regardless of whether the engine has reached normal operating temperature at say 15 mins into the trip.

Regards,

Scott