Okay. Just verifying some stuff here. I am a certified mechanic and would never buy any vehicle with white milky substance in the oil but....looking at 97 Dodge Caraven for a friend and told her outright not to buy it due to this fact. Dealer then took it to local mechanic who told them there was no head gasket problem nor any leaks. I went back and drove vehicle again and inspected the oil. Same milky substance on dipstick and cap. They then called the Dodge dealer who told them this is a very common problem with Caravans and Jeeps and is caused by a faulty PCV valve allowing moisture into the engine. Sounds fishy to me and will still encourage her NOT to buy this van but just wondering if anyone else has gotten this line of bull from a dealer or mechanic. I personally would never own a dodge but trying not to let my bias keep her from getting a decent vehicle. Thanks. Steve

Just an avid DIYer but, my only experience with milky oil in a Caravan was after a head gasket blew. Actually it was a Voyager with the 3.0 ltr. I don't recall ever seeing milky oil on the dipstick or cap on my 96GC or the few others I've come in contact with. If it was a one time deal, could it have been condensation built up from sitting a while? If it's consistant then I would suspect a problem. If possible she might want to have the oil drained and inspected.

I agree with you, I would not buy any vehicle with white milky stuff in oil either. That is caused by excessive water in oil.
I saw it once in a car when the temperature was 10 degrees below 0 F, it was not homoginized, but a layer on top of the oil, a week later after weather warmed up, it was gone.

It could be just that the vehicle was driven for short trips and never got a chance to burn off the moisture in the engine. But normally only seen on the cap not in the oil. :run away from this vehicle:

I think you made a good call...

I've seen what you describe in a Dodge Shadow - milky white stuff on the dipstick and around the oil filler cap. I drained the oil, changed the filter and everything seemed fine for about a week. Then the motor blew... I think it spun a bearing by the sound it was making. We got the car for free, so it was no big deal, except for the $150 in maintenance items, another $125 in registration and plates and the short period of time we paid to insure it.