996 oil leak & yellow sludge

[stephenj88]

I have found an oil leak under my 2003 996 C2 Tip and a yellow sludge within the oil filler spout.

I have read some threads that suggest that sludge may be normal and as a result of condensation issues due to short trips / lack of use during the winter months and that the car should be taken for a long drive.

I have read other threads that suggest checking for water on the oil dip stick and for oil in the water / coolant reservoir.

My dip stick seems clear of water but the water reservoir is low (below min) and is a rusty / tea colour.

Does this point to a gasket, cracked block / head problem.

I would be grateful for any advice that anyone can give.

Thanks

[wvicary]

OIl and coolant look fine. The yellowish stuff is from condensation but keep your eye on the levels as you always should. The oil leak is from a timing chain tensioner, you need to replace the compression washer.

[perryinva]

Coolant doesn't look normal to me. It is normally a bright pink color for that year. Clean out the "mayonaise" (which also seems a bit much to me for condensation, but I don't know how long/where/how it was stored) and do an oil change. If you see no water/coolant at the bottom when you dump the oil from the catch container to a jug, then just change the coolant , too. It is easy to see the water/coolant when you pour the oil out. There is an updated chain tensioner for certain years, not sure about yours.