Jack W Drews wrote:
>
> Thanks to all who responded to my request for input regarding
> condensation in the aluminum valve cover.
>
> There were nine responses. Everybody who runs a Mini, Sprite, or
> Spitfire said they have never had this problem. Ditto U.S. street cars.
> However, three responses from guys with bigger engines - Volvos, TR's,
> etc said they had seen this and were puzzled.
>
> My conclusion at the minute is that it is due to the water component of
> blowby condensing on the coolest spot in the engine, the valve cover.
>
> Delete now unless you want to read more boring details.
>
> I run a Triumph TR4 with a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Compression
> readings are around 200 psi, leakdown is nil, engine runs great, no
> evidence of head gasket leakage on gasket, block, or head, and no
> evidence of water in the oil in the sump. BUT, lots of alarming milky
> white goo in the valve cover. Despite the good instrumented readings,
> the engine has more blowby than I would expect, so I'm theorizing that
> the water in the blowby is condensing on the coolest surfaces -- and
> when the engine is really hot, the valve cover is still cool. Don't know
> what else to think until another idea or more data becomes know.
>
> Thanks again for the input.
> --
> uncle jack
> TR4 Rallye Replica vintage racer
Jack,
I didn't get time to reply before, but my experience with the Boss 302
is that the inside of the valve covers remain clean. These valve covers
get quite hot. Don't know the actual temperature but I think you're
right about them being the coolest part of the engine. I also have the
same original aluminum valve covers on the Cleveland in the truck and
have never seen this on them either. The Boss has compression readings
in the area of 185-190, and the truck readings are in the 180 range with
compression ratios theoretically 11:1 and 10:1 respectively. The GT also
has late model cast aluminum valve covers and I have not seen evidence
of this when looking in the oil filler. It is a 2 hour project to take a
valve cover off due to having to remove the upper intake and all of its
associated connections to get the valve cover off or even reach the
upper row of bolts. I have seen this on steel valve covered engines that
have come through my hands for work.
Bill D
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