condensation

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Dec 11, 2001 | 08:59 PM

motorhead

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condensation

I've got a '76 f100 with 390 and a '78 f100 with a 302.When the weather gets cold there is always milky condensation that builds up around the inside of the valve covers.I run a pcv valve on one side and a breather cap on the other on both trucks.Anyone have any idea why this happens and if there is anything I can do about it?I can't tell it does any damage and there is never any water in the oil when I change it and I've never lost any water from the radiator.Just wondering if any of you out there have the same problem.

Dec 11, 2001 | 09:44 PM

Mil1ion

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condensation

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-01 AT 10:45 PM (EST)]I love this topic.

It seems a lot of people DON'T bring their engines up to Normal operating temperature everytime they drive.

It's the result of short trips everywhere.

The first thing I would do is make sure you have a 195* thermostat in there.
Second: Always run your engine to normal operating temperature.

You see, the engine doesn't get hot enough to stabilize the oil by getting rid of the condensation that came from the warming of all that COLD metal.

The condensation Mixes with the oil and turns the oil, white.

That's what you're seeing !

Dennis

It's Almost Time Everyone.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=314&.jpg

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

Dec 12, 2001 | 11:59 AM

dfisher1

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From: Gainesville, FL

condensation

Motorhead,
Dennis has nailed this one on the head!
Are you running a thermostat?
Certain oils have the ability to fend off moisture intrusion. That's why certain oils cost more than others.
Kendall is a good one. Castrol is not.
Mobile 1 is a great one, if you can afford it.
Valvoline is worth it's price.
Secondly, Running heavier weight oils in our older motors requires that we reach operating temperature ASAP. A missing thermostat can cost you more than you think. Most of us that run without a thermostat have questionable radiators and are cutting corners. This is a risky corner to cut and should be reconsidered. I had a friend who bought a new radiator for a 78 351M for $160, an investment that will insure years a smooth, cool runnin mon.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher

Dec 12, 2001 | 02:48 PM

motorhead

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condensation

Thanks for the replies.The '78 with 302 I just got a month or so back and I've just been doing mechanical work to get it ready for the road so I can tear the '76 apart and do a complete truck rebuild.The short trips around town is probably right on with not getting the truck warmed up very often.I've always had a problem with getting the '76 to run warm enuff.I have a 25 mile trip to work one way.New radiator,190 thermostat,and nothing that should make it run as cool as it does even in the summer.The gauge barely reads into the normal zone on most days unless I sit in hot weather in traffic for a long time.Then it will get about half way and cool way off as soon as I'm on the hiway.But like I said the condensation only happens when it's cold weather.Should I run a higher thermostat like a 205 in the winter or block off part of the radiator?

Dec 12, 2001 | 09:01 PM

Nod

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From: Anderson Northern Ca

condensation

Motorhead, I had the same problem with my 72 390 when I lived in Oregon. After fixing all the above mentioned items it still persisted. The last thing I checked was the breather hose itself and guess what, it was clogged solid as was the breather cap. A new breather cap and hose fixed the problem for me, that was 12 yrs ago, I put a new hose on from time to time and clean the cap at that time also. Hope this helps.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"

Dec 13, 2001 | 08:31 AM

dfisher1

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From: Gainesville, FL

condensation

Block off part of radiator. Start at bottom from side to side. If you do this keep an eye on your temp gauge all the time.
KingFisher

Dec 13, 2001 | 02:07 PM

Mil1ion

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condensation

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Dec-01 AT 03:08 PM (EST)]In REALLY COLD temperatures, blocking the rad off with cardboard can cause icing up /blockage.

I had a *Winterfront* custom made for my trcuk and it works & looks a lot better.

Dennis

It's Almost Time Everyone.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=314&.jpg

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles