grit under oil cap

fredh

I have a 1998 Toyota Sienna van with 18k miles. I've had all service done at dealer to maintain warranty. When I looked at the oil filter cap, it was clean, but the baffle inside the valve cover that you pour the oil on top of has a crusty coating of black grit (carbon?). Since the dealer has done all oil changes at 2.5k-4.5k intervals, I don't know how long it's been there. Anybody know what causes this and if it is a problem?

armtdm

It may actually be sludge but grab some of it with your fingers ans see if it is greasy sludge or actually has a grit to it. There was or may still be a message board here on Toyota sludgeging up problems. In either case, I do not believe that it should be there and would definitely point it out to the service rep!!!!!