Expert: Sean Halliday - 2/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I drive a 2006 dodge caravan with a 2.4L 4-banger.I recently changed the oil and found a high amount of condensation. Would that be caused most likley by a leaky head-gasket or the intake system? Could there be any other reason for it? There seems to be no power loss. Please help.

ANSWER: Where was the condensation?How many miles are on this engine?Its unlikely the head gasket and also what type of oil do you use?If the condensation is on the cap,thats ok but, it would be best to change the pcv valve and make sure the crank breather is clear.

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QUESTION: The condensation was in the oil when I changed it, kind of a milky brown color, not like normal. The engine has 87,xxx miles on it. I use "Quaker State" 5w-30 in this rig. There is no white smoke (or any smoke) coming from the exhaust so I don't think it's the head gasket either.

Answer
White smoke would be coolant and oil burns blue if it does burn it.The fact that the oil is brown or milky means there is a leak into the oil from the coolant and the only place it can come from is the head or oil passages in the block.It cannot leak oil from the intake as there are no oil passages in the intake.You definatly have a problem somewhere and it would be best to have a leak down test done on the head to see if the gasket is leaking.Even a small leak will cause this with no signs of overheating or loss of power but it will get worse.