Blown Head Gasket????

[GMC 1994]

Was checking my oil the other day and noticed signs of a blown head gasket on the dipstick. The oil/ water combination of a mocha colored substance on the dipstick. I changed the oil the next morning w/o starting the motor to see if there was any water/ oil separation in the oil pan. There was none. Any ideas as to what would cause this sign on the dipstick and not in the oil pan??

 

[Z15]

I can only assume the year from you handl 1994??? This era trucks has lots of problems with intake manifold gaskets failing and I would look at that as a possible problem.

 

[jagtoes]

Typical symptom of short trips where condensation does not burn off in the oil. When you removed the oil cap did you see similar stuff? Also was the oil above the full mark? I wouldn't jump to conclusions. Take the truck on a hot ride for 20 minutes and then check the oil again. When you start it up and let it idle do you see a lot of water dripping out of the exhaust pipe?.

 

[GMC 1994]

@ Z15------Yes, you are correct it is a 1994 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra. This engine has 190,000 miles on it. I have been experiencing a lot of problems with this area and the leaking rear main seal among other areas leaking oil. Thanks for the possible problems. I am at a spot where this has gone past my knowledge and don't want to pay someone to work on this truck b/c I like to work on my own truck. I have been exploring options and would like to do an LS swap but need the truck as a daily driver.

 

[GMC 1994]

Typical symptom of short trips where condensation does not burn off in the oil. When you removed the oil cap did you see similar stuff? Also was the oil above the full mark? I wouldn't jump to conclusions. Take the truck on a hot ride for 20 minutes and then check the oil again. When you start it up and let it idle do you see a lot of water dripping out of the exhaust pipe?.

@jagtoes-----I have not been able to isolate this situation down to these exacting occurrences. There is no buildup of the same sludge on the filler cap. I will also try the 20 minute drive and also look at the exhaust. Thanks..

 

[GMC 1994]

@jagtoes---- been a while since i have visited the site. I have had the opportunity to take some extended trips and noticed that i don't see the same milky oil anymore. I think that may have been the situation. Not sure what the fix is for this other than some long trips in down a county road for a nice sunday drive. thanks.