I'm in the process of changing the oil for the first time on the car and noticed there is rust where i pour the oil into...is that bad? can it be replaced? should i worry on the life of the car?

 

The oil filler tube can be replaced if it's really bad. What concerns me more is the possibility that your engine isn't being properly vented, hence the condensation which causes the rust in the first place.

 

Not much to worry about. An engine that is used for short trips will have this rust.

From the Felix's Own General Rotary Car FAQ:

"If you look closely, you probably also see water droplets mixed in or nearby the foam. If you find either, there is probably nothing you can do to permanently get rid of them. Luckily, you don't need to. A change in your driving pattern to include more driving under high load and fully warmed, and less driving of short trips or while the engine is cold, might do the job. Enough of such a change will do the job if your car is totally stock.

What you see is an emulsion, oil mixed with water. Your oil includes emulsifiers as part of the additive package. They cause water to actually mix into and "disappear" within the oil. To a point, they do exactly that, preventing small amounts of water from congregating in any one place that might result in oil starvation in a critical location. As long as the amount of water doesn't exceed the ability ot the emulsifiers to disperse them, no harm is done.

All engines are subject to condensation from the normal heatup and cooldown processes, the same way dew forms on the grass in the morning. The oil filler tube area is subject to very little oil flow, and very little ventilation flow, while at the same time it is one area highly subject to the forming of condensation. The emulsifier in the little bit of oil in the area forms the foam as its limit to absorb the oil is reached. When the engine gets hot enough, long enough, the water will boil off. Whether this will routinely happen with yours simply depends on your driving patterns."

 

well...that is settling...but should i still replace the oil filler tube? if so, how do i remove it? i didn't see anything that shows its a separate piece from the engine.

 

I permanently got rid of them.

I run a hose from the bottom nipple on the filler neck to the carbon canister in the aircleaner lid. The tank purge line connects to this hose via a tee fitting in the bigger hose. Finally, a little oil breather filter (an old fuel filter will work, too) is connected to the upper nipple on the filler neck. That comprises the entire ventilation system on my motor, it's simple as hell, and it works great. I NEVER have any condensate or emulsion in the tube or cap.

 

Yeah it's a separate piece. It's just pounded into the hole in the block.