is this normal?

[vitalmuncie]

there is cream on my radiator cap, the coolant was low though. is it normal to get this way?

[65comet]

To get foam, it has been my experience that you need oil and moisture. Check your reservoir for oil floating in it.

[vitalmuncie]

seems like there was a oily residue around the cap. the reason I looked at it was a oil spot on a few parking lots right around where the oil filter is. I didn't find much when I jacked it up but there was some oil around the head gasket area and around the oil pan gasket. I cleaned the motor with some degreaser and water I hope it's not serious with 117k miles it would be a real shame.

[mtnlovrs]

Originally Posted by vitalmuncie

there is cream on my radiator cap, the coolant was low though. is it normal to get this way?

First, look at your exhaust to see if there is any steam that continues to come out after the engine is warmed up. If there is, this means that water is getting into your combustion chamber and usually indicates a blown head gasket. Drain your oil from the oil pan and look to see if there is any water in your oil. If there is, it will show up looking milky. Since you are low on water, this probably means that you have a leaking head gasket or (worse case scenario) a crack somewhere that is allowing the oil and cooling system to mix.

[vitalmuncie]

ok so I used one of those radiator emissions check tools and apparently it is not the head gasket.

[mtnlovrs]

Originally Posted by vitalmuncie

ok so I used one of those radiator emissions check tools and apparently it is not the head gasket.

Are you referring to pressure testing the cooling system? If so, how long did you leave the tester on the radiator and did it loose pressure during that time? Did you find water in your oil?

[vitalmuncie]

no water in the oil. the tool I used tests for exhaust gas in the radiator.
from what I understand the ford 3.8 liter motor has a issue with head gaskets and that is why I checked.