Hey guys,

So I recently brought a 2004 RX-8, so far very pleased with it however I'm having difficulty checking the oil due to the dipstick being milky, now from what I've read it's common/normal for the 2004 RX8 to develop this gouey substance however because of this I'm having difficulty checking the oil (which I know has to be checked very often) ... does anyone have any tips?

 

Yes, go on a long drive.

 

that will heat the oil enough to evaporate the water.

 

Thanks, how far is sufficient? I drove 150 miles and checked it and still the same?

 

If it was 150 miles in short drives, nope.

You need sustained heat to burn it all off, like 30-40 miles without stopping.

There is a dealer solution to 'fix' the condensation, however it's expensive and you would be paying out of pocket.

 

You want to wind it out also, be aggressive on the throttle. What you want to do is ventilate the water vapours out of the "crankcase" for the lack of better word, best way to do that is heat + displacement by blowby gases, best way to get those is full throttle.

 

It was a 150 mile drive (no stopping) and drove it approx 5-6K revs in 4th the majority of the way. Could it be condensation? Still winter here in the UK.

 

Yep, that is exactly what it is. Does the oil get changed regularly?

 

I've owned since Jan 2015 and had an oil change in Feb, so yes not long been changed.

 

Same thing happens to me. Doesn't seem to matter how long it's been running, or how warm it is, when it's cold out, the cream is on the stick. I just keep dipping it and wiping clean until I get a good reading. Usually doesn't take more than three or four times.

 

In 2006 the crankcase ventilation setup was changed to address this. You have an 04' so unless you switch to that setup, getting the oil good and hot is your only option. Also make sure the hose from the oil filler neck to the intake pipe is in good shape. I have a 2004 and have never had this issue I use Mobil1 0W40.

 

Dip the stick 3 or 4 times, clean it and you shall be able to read it.

I figured it's pretty normal in 04. Mine exhibits similar symptoms in extreme cold.

 

Cheers guys, will give that a go tomorrow.

 

This has been showing up on my stick since I checked it last Wednesday. I freaked out. A quick search however shows how common this is, despite how disconcerting it looks. (thought my water seals may be going bad). I've seen that minimal moisture may be allowed to enter the tube that holds the dipstick.. or something like that.

 

I had the same problem on a new rebuild from Mazda. No matter how far I drove it, it wouldn't go away. Irritating to say the least.

 

Yeah, it only gets below 70 degF maybe one day per year down there in the Republic of TexMexas ...