2.2SE Water in the engine oil?

**lyndonv6** · 5th February 2011, 15:09

I have a 2003 Vectra auto with the 2.2SE petrol engine with nearly 90K on the clock.
When I dip the engine oil I allways get a small amount of white sludge on the bottom of the dipstick. I have changed the oil and filter twice with recommended vauxhall synthetic oil but shortley after that the sludge returns. I have kept an eye on the water and engine oil levels in case the head gasket has gone but the levels are staying the same over 1000-1500 miles.
Is there any kind of rescurculation system fault on the engine that will cause this to happen, or anything I can do? I have taken the car on several 1.5hr runs to just in case its just the short runs I do (about 20 miles a day). Any help would be appriciated.

**paulvectrac** · 5th February 2011, 15:12

thats a wired one mate when you changed the oil and filter what colour was the oil

**lyndonv6** · 5th February 2011, 15:16

It looked OK not sludgey at all, thats what I dont get

**lyndonv6** · 5th February 2011, 15:55

Anybody have any ideas please?

**paulvectrac** · 5th February 2011, 15:59

probably just condercation mate

**mark_647** · 5th February 2011, 16:22

Think condensation build up on theses. It did on my Vec B Z22, although most common on the 3.2 I think. My head gasket did fail in the end however but did hold its coolant level well with the creamy stuff up untill that point. Maybe a good run and see how it looks ?

**rocket999** · 5th February 2011, 20:27

I wouldnt panic. I have a Vectra 06 plate 2.2 and i generally get the white creamy stuff on the oil dip stick/oil filler cap all winter it goes when the weather starts warming up. Smell of oil in the water bottle is the sign when the head gasket has gone.

**lyndonv6** · 6th February 2011, 00:00

Ok Thanks for the replys. Ill just see how it goes, hopefully with no head gasket issues

**phil-h** · 6th February 2011, 02:46

I have a vec b with a z22se engine and they are prone to condensation. Later model vecs were fitted with the black plastic rocker cover in an attempt (so I'm told) to reduce the condensation problem. Just use the correct oil and try to give your car a good run at least once a month (100 miles-ish) and it will burn off / evaporate any water in the system, until you have to do it again lol!

Perfectly normal, just check your oil and water for contamination every now and again, keep the engine regularly serviced and you should be fine

hth