Checked my oil today and found a brownish bubbly substance on the long part of the dipstick. The actual part that measures the oil is clear of the froth. The bottom of the oil filler cap is clear. The coolant seems to be a dark green...not sure when it was changed last. (Just bought the car). Engine temp is normal. Could my head gasket be on its way out? Car has 178K. I'm getting the PCV system serviced on Friday along with a coolant flush and oil change. I'm just wondering if this is a sign of a head gasket thats on its last leg. (the dip stick is broken, missing the finger loop...maybe that has something to to with the froth.)

Ian 96 850 turbo wagon

 

No guarantees but most likely you are seeing the effects of condensation in the oil. Short trip and stop and go driving cause this problem because the engine never fully warms up and blows out the moisture. Change the oil and try to work in some highway bursts into your car's driving life. Change the oil more frequently to help clean that sludge out. But the big thing is that it's unlikely to be a head gasket or other major repair. Do you know if your PCV system has been serviced? If not, I'd get on that right away.

 

If the car has been driven on alot of short trips then you might see some of the airation from that.
I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

We have the same thing on our 850, every fall and winter. I just change the oil a little more frequently.