Technical Condensation in engine.

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Technical Condensation in engine.

loserscar

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Dec 2, 2006
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Hi,
899 Cinquecento puzzle.
I fitted an cheap oil catch can a few weeks ago, as the air filter and throttle body were oiling up.
Initially, I fitted the can without modification, which didn't trap oil, but it did catch a significant amount of water. Probably about 100mm.
I've stuffed it with stainless steel wool now, and it seems to be working.
A strange thing is, is that the rocker cover gasket has stopped leaking, so I've come to the conclusion that the leak was condensed water and oil, when the engine was cooling.

What puzzles me is why the engine makes excessive blow by gas, and moisture.

The engine had the head done recently (ish), runs brilliantly, and there's no sign of oil in the coolant.

Maybe it's an early sign of head gasket failure, but failing that, are these engine prone to water condensation, and excessive breather oil when they get older?

Thanks, Pete
 
its normal to get more condensation this time of year. I wouldnt worry too much about it!
 
You get condensation in any engine - it's why you need to change the oil every so often, not just dependent on mileage (which physically wears the oil out).

You get condensation on the inside of the motor for all sorts of reasons.. fuel and exhaust gas can by-pass the rings, damp air enters the block via the breather, and the moisture that is already in the oil evaporates out when the oil gets warm but then gets drawn back in when it cools down. You'll see more moisture in winter (colder and damper) than in summer.

If you regularly make a lot of journies where the oil gets properly warmed through.. more than 10 miles then you would get minimal condensation. If you do journies less tha 5 miles (coolant just about warms up but oil is still essentially only warm) then you will get more. It's nothing to worry about.


Ralf S.
 
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