ford galaxy ghia 1.9 TDI 2003

[maysani]

Dear all,
I have just bought this car (ford galaxy ghia 1.9 TDI)and noticed that when I take off the oil dip stick when the engine is running and hot, there is a lot of white smoke coming out which I believe it is a steam, is this normal?

[redwon]

Are you using any water? if it is steam, that is where it will be coming from. Keep an eye on the filler bottle.
Good luck
Dave

[maysani]

Dave,
Many thanks for the speedy reply.
Do you mean the bottle that contains the coolant, if so, is it the one located at the top right hand side of the engine. does this indicate that the head gasket is on its way?

[Chrispb]

More likely crankcase fumes, normal with a high mileage vehicle.

[maysani]

Sorry guys,  what does this mean ââ,¬Å"crankcase fumesââ,¬Â. Is it serious? Do I need to take any action now before any further damage? The car has done 110,000 miles. Apart from this issue the car runs fine.

[redwon]

yes the bottle on the right. If you are losing water it must be going somewhere! Keep an eye on the level over the next week.
But as Chispb has also explained it could just be fumes.
Dave

[maysani]

Thanks for advice Guys, I will keep an eye on the coolant bottle. However, assume it is the fumes, ... how serious that is? Is it normal with cars with high mileage? What are the consequences if I ignore it.

[redwon]

As Chrispb said, its normal on high mileage cars.
Dave

[Mirez]

Crankcase fumes are perfectly normal on all cars, the higher the mileage (generally) the more are produced as the engine seals and more worn - its perfectly normal and nothing to worry about Generally though, CC fumes aren't that noticeable from the dip stick.

That said, at this time of year with the low ambient temperature any moisture vapour looks more then usual, but you should consider when the the last service was done and if a good quality oil was used. Short journeys where the engine fails to reach full operating temperature will generate condensation within the engine and this water will be held in the oil and be seen as vapour when the dipstick or filler is opened.