Oil discoloration (possible head gasket problems)

[MN]

During my last two oil changes I've noticed the oil is very
slightly mudded. Should I be concerned? It seems to be
a very minor discoloration, the oil is just not brown but
a tiny, I repeat tiny bit of muddy/flat milky shade.

This is a 2000 2.2L Impreza with 26k miles. Has been
driven mainly highway at high speeds. Oil is changed
every 3500 miles. Coolant is nice and clear, haven't
noticed it getting low, or anything, although I haven't
been paying much attention to it, up till now.
No overheating whatsoever.

Please help, I would want to catch a possible problem
before it gets costly, or something. Should I have it tested
or just observe it for now?

MN

 

[GT]

During my last two oil changes I've noticed the oil is very
slightly mudded. Should I be concerned? It seems to be
a very minor discoloration, the oil is just not brown but
a tiny, I repeat tiny bit of muddy/flat milky shade.

It's a bad sign. It could mean that the head gasket is leaking.
Anyway, water tends to strongly reduce the bearings' load capacity thus
damaging the crankshaft bearings.
Just my 2 cents.

--
Best regards.
Giovanni Tarantino
Bevaix (NE)
Switzerland
1997 Audi A4 2.8 Q 234,000 km (144,000 miles)
1997 BMW 535i 233,000 km (144,000 miles)

 

[Edward Hayes]

Before getting too excited why not get an oil sample analysis at
www.blackstonelabs.com and see if you have a potential problem. ed