Was doing a late pre-winter check of all the fluids a week or so ago and noticed some milky oil on the upper section of the dip stick. If I wipe it off and repeat a few times I might see a spot or streak on the bulb on the end of the stick. Have been a bit gun-shy/worried about any unusual sights and sounds since I did the head gasket this summer past.
The antifreeze seems to be holding steady and wonder if there might just be some condensation forming in the oil fill tube and some getting scraped off by the stick when it gets pulled out. Though if it is condensation I don't know if it would get milky up in the tube.
It is getting cold in these parts and the engine doesn't get much hot freeway use. The car doesn't get much use either - not unusual for it to sit for a day or two. Does oil get back up into the tube during normal use? Could I drive it without the dip stick or with the cap on loose to let any moisture get out? There is a bit of vapor coming up out of the fill tube when the engine is hot and I pull the dip stick. Have taken it out on the freeway a few times for 20 or 30 minutes to heat things up.

This is most likly just condensation in the tube.
You might also notice it under the oil fill cap.

Short trips is what causes this. I wouldnt drive with either the dip stick or oil cap off. It might blow oil all over and something could (possibly) fall into the valve cover and contaminate your engine.

If the oil its self is milky looking then that would be something more serious.

Jeez, that was quick. Was going to check back tomorrow.
Glad to know my condensation idea wasn't just off the wall wishful thinking.
I'll keep an eye on it and the coolant bottle and sleep a bit easier.
Have a for-sale sign and poop sheet all ready for the Taurus but will wait another week or two on that just in case.
Thanks, xero..... .
Happy new year.