Please help with some queries on my Stylance 1.6 petrol

[Formula400]

Have had the car since end July 06 and like it very much. Has only done 3800 (mainly local) miles.
1. When checking the oil level I see white sludge ('mayonnaise', I've heard it called) in the filler cap. I know the mainly local driving can contribute to this sort of problem - but I do give it a run on the motorways occasionally - and I wouldn't expect to see this problem on a nearly new car.
2. Whenever the ignition is switched on, with the engine running or not, there is a ticking noise from under the dash. It's like an erratic clock tick which varies in pitch. I've tried turning the radio off, and the climate control completely off but it makes no difference.
3. Associated with 1 above - I find the oil level on the dipstick very difficult to read. The oil is fairly black and the dipstick is black. I've not had this problem on any other car in more than 30 years. Does anyone know how to get a reliable visual indication of oil level on the stick?
4. Yesterday, for the first time, the car seemed to be running on less than 4 cylinders when started up from cold (approx. 10°C ambient). It would not run properley. I turned the engine off and re-started and all was OK again. Anyone had such a problem?

All help much appreciated,

Thanks

 

[-JAMI3-]

Have you taken it to your local SEAT dealer, surely they must be able to help you?

 

[Formula400]

Have spoken to local dealer re ticking noise. They have not had any previous experience of this. Have not spoken re oil problem. They have offered to look at the car under warranty, and I shall get that done in the very near future.

I posted because I find it useful to gather as much information as possible, and to find out if it's a common problem, before taking it to the dealer.

 

[-JAMI3-]

Your dead right, I myself use the forums to gather other peoples problems etc to help with our service dept. Ive just spoken with our Jennings service manager, he hasnt heard of this before either!

 

[TllEWL]

Wouldn't worry about the white sludge too much ... given the crappy weather (and assuming it may have been sat on the forecourt/yard for a few months before you owned it) it's not uncommon.


Might be worth seeing if they'll replace the oil for you and start afresh

 

[LeakyTurnip]

Yippie another 1.6 owner!!

I've experienced 1,3 & 4!

My dealer looked at the car when it was getting it's first service and attributed the White Sludge to low mileage. My car was delivered on the 07-10-05 and it's got about 7500 miles on it at the moment! They told me that it was nothing to worry about, and that was that.

I do agree that the dipstick it difficult to read but there is not a lot that can be done about it!

As for problem no.4 I've had this on one or two occasions (duing the past year and a bit). The car starts but then has a very rough idle. I find a few dabs of throttle clears this straight up. Haven't bothered mentioning it to the dealer as it has been very rare.

Other than that I have not had any problems with my car (touch wood)!

 

[Stealthdave]

just got mine so time will tell...

love everythign apart from...no lock on petrol cap....

 

[DanGB]

just got mine so time will tell...

love everythign apart from...no lock on petrol cap....

Is the door not locked when the car is locked??