Wheres my oil gone?

[Tim72]

Hi,

Hopefully someone will be able to help me, because this has caused me a few sleepless nights.

A few days ago I got a call from my wife saying her oil light (vw golf mk 4 1.4s) had come on, could I bring some oil.

So I went along with oil thinking it would just have got a bit low and wanted topping up. Anyway on arrival I discover that the oil level does nt even register on the dipstick. On inspection round the engine I can see that theres a fair bit of oil kicking around the back of the engine, and it looked as though it had been sent out under pressure, but i could nt see where it had come from.

Anyway, having put 3 litres of oil in, I tried starting it and it ran fine. Theres no evidence of oil in water or lack of performance. The only thing it does do ,but i m not convinced its related, is every now and again it ll cut out for no reason, more often when the engine is cold but not always.

Sorry if i ve gone on, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[R32North]

Have you looked in the water expansion tank, so see if any oil has got into the water-ways.

Also, get some 'Gunk' and clean the while engine, especially where the oil was the 1st time, then run the car normlly and then at high revs (driving) for a few mins to build up the pressure. Then check the area again to see if oil is coming out again.

[Tim72]

Yeah, checked the header tank, looks fine and theres no sign of bubbles. Do nt think theres any way I can see down the back without getting it on a ramp and doing it from underneath. Since my first post I ve looked in the oil filler cap and theres a creamy type residue stuck to it . Anyone got any ideas ?

[winrya]

depends, a creamie type residue can be quite normal in this weather if your doing mainly short journeys.