Hi all,
I've had a 98 T4 for a few months now, and after checking the oil (was replaced a couple of days earlier) I noticed some white gunk up the top of the dipstick as well as a couple of spots nearer the bottom, naturally I panicked and thought head gasket.
This happened on a weekend away at the snow, so when I got back I searched through a few forums and found people talking about condensation building up in cold climates and short drives due to a poorly sealing dipstick.
The reason I'm posting is the threads suggested a longer drive would clear up the problem, but I drove 5 hours back from the holiday without any difference (Car was sitting on 85 degrees celsius down the highway).
Should I take no notice or brace for the worst?
Should also note that car is not losing coolant nor is there any oil in there, actual oil on dipstick is clear as well as clear under filler cap, no white smoke and the car has not overheated.
Cheers for any help.

 

Here is a blurry picture of the dipstick.

 

I would take a good look at the oil when it's changed next. It may be the early stages of a leaking head gasket. Make sure you don't have any clogged breather system in the mean time.

 

The oil was changed 2 days before I noticed the problem, and it came out without a trace of water contamination. It could have happened since then though.

 

Don't worry about it. If the fear gets the best of you find something else to worry about until the next oil change.