Condensation

[Jimbo]

Can you get condensation in your engine a couple days after you've ran it and showed no signs of it before? Also how long should it last in your engine till you stop getting stuff under the oil cap?

 

[redSUPRA '88]

I had no idea condensation in an engine was even possible..... unless u've got a BHG. which mite explain the water under the oil cap.

 

[airhead04]

Yes, its possible. If its been getting warmer the cold again in the same day, then condensation is possible to get under the cap.

 

[jetjock]

Condensation will take place inside the engine any time ambient temperature is equal to or less than dew point. Not to mention the number one byproduct of combustion is water vapor...

 

[redSUPRA '88]

Oh, that's cool. if it had been me i would have freaked out lol.

 

[jetjock]

The OP may still have cause to worry. Since he appears to be yet another example of the death spiral of science education in this country I was only addressing his core question. It doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with his engine or that there'd be nothing wrong with yours under similar circumstances.

 

[Compton74]

friend of mine had this supposed condensation under the cap, took the head off and found out he blew the HG

 

[radiod]

Condensation visible under the cap is normal. If people ripped apart their engine every time you saw that stuff you'd be ripping apart brand new cars from factory. If you have a rainy day and/or live in a cooler climate, you'll notice it more often. Give the engine a good 45 minute drive with it nice and warm and if you STILL have that junk under the oil cap, it's a little safer to assume there's a problem. I would never use that as the sole sign that your head gasket is blown though, I'd check other signs such as actual measurable coolant loss, coolant in the oil pan, etc.

 

[spencyg]

I wouldn't worry about condensation under the cap, but if you see droplets of coolant on your dipstick, or if your oil is a little milky when you change it, you've got head gasket issues. Condensation isn't necessarily a sign of problems, but would be one of the indicators of problems. I'd look at your oil to make sure it is just oil, and not oil/coolant. Condensation will never make your oil milky because it evaporates off each time the engine is run.

I'd look deeper to make sure everything is ok.

SGinNE

 

[OfnaRcR4]

Condensation visible under the cap is normal. If people ripped apart their engine every time you saw that stuff you'd be ripping apart brand new cars from factory. If you have a rainy day and/or live in a cooler climate, you'll notice it more often. Give the engine a good 45 minute drive with it nice and warm and if you STILL have that junk under the oil cap, it's a little safer to assume there's a problem. I would never use that as the sole sign that your head gasket is blown though, I'd check other signs such as actual measurable coolant loss, coolant in the oil pan, etc.

Or just do a leakdown test?