1997 Pontiac Bonneville Foam around oil reservoir

1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
182,000 MILES • 3.8L • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MBEAR66
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There is white foam around the oil reservoir and also under the plastic piece that covers the motor. My boyfriend seems to think it has to do with the intake manifold. Other people have mentioned the Head Gasket. I need help really bad. This car is my baby and without it I have nothing, basically.
Dec 20, 2013 at 2:39 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It does sound like coolant is mixing with the engine oil. Have you noticed the coolant level going down? If you remove the dip stick to check the oil, does it look contaminated with coolant?
Dec 20, 2013 at 5:56 AM
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MBEAR66
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Thanks for getting back to me, I really appreciate that. Inside the oil cap cover, it's covered with a orange/rust colored substance (foam I guess).
Dec 20, 2013 at 7:36 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If that is the only place you see a build up and nothing is mixing with the oil, chances are the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation) is bad and not ventilating the engine properly. Thus, it allows condensation to gather and what you see is the result. Check the PCV valve first.
Dec 21, 2013 at 5:09 PM
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