Oil Cap full of yellow residue?

[harminder]

Hi guys,

My brother owns a MK4 Golf 2.0 (done 105k) and recently had the oil changed (around 3k ago).

We were about to top the oil up when I noticed that around the oil cap he had a lot of yellow thick residue!

I can see the same residue stuff around the inside of the engine block (where the oil normally goes in)..

Any ideas what this could be?

Car has been using a fair amount of oil lately but sounds ok...

Thanks

[Rustynuts]

Head gasket on its way out, most likely.

[Tarmac_Terrorist]

Short journeys causing condensation might be another consideration but I suspect the head gasket is the most likely culpret.

[Cameo]

This is a common issue with the 2.0 VW petrol engine. I had a New Beetle which did this from brand new- I queried it with the local stealer who said it was normal. A search of various NB forums confirmed this; as TT says the likely culprit is short journeys.

As long as there are no other symptoms the head gasket should be fine

[Tobes49]

The oil breather unit is located under the oil cap, because it a breather unless the car does long trips it will get condensation forming and cause the yellow sludge,

It easy to remove and clean, One pipe to the inlet hose and sometime a small pipe then untwist it like the oil cap.

[harminder]

My brother never does any long runs...normally 5 miles to work and then same back...so hopefully condensation is more likely..

I'll get him to keep an eye on it..

While we are on the subject of the 2.0 VW engine, are these also known for using much oil? Or is this a problem with the oil rings?

Thanks for your comments