Water in the Oil... Is this Common?

[RonV11]

Changed the filter today... had to drop the pan and skewer the filter to get it off. Never had the pan off before. I was surprized to find water in the bottom for the pan. Actually it had combined with the oil to make a heavy goop, tan in color, of about 1/8 inch thick. It has to be condensation... I don't take the MG on short tripsand all oil going in has come from sealed containers. Now this is only the second time I've changed the oil as I purchased her in November last year. So I can't vouch for the care she received before me. Does this happen to any of your Guzzi's?

[Guest ratchethack]

Ron, it doesn't happen to me, but then l live in a natural coastal desert with water artifically pumped in, and you live in the land of the blackberry bogs and Sasquatch, where the sun is merely an occasional passer-by on his way to more hospitable climes......

 

So I'd expect condensation in the sump, much like the lads in the British Isles experience. Mayonnaise in the rocker boxes, too. Can't do too much about it other than to get it out when you find it and occasionally go in after it when it strikes y'er fancy . . . . . .

 

Running it hard enough and long enough to cook it off through the breather keeps it from forming, but I know where you live this isn't always practical.

[guzzi jon]

When I do any significant riding in the rain, I'll get gobs of the light tan sludge accumulating under the valve covers, not an issue, scrape the crap off and move on. If you ride much in the rain, or wash the sucker every day, you'll get it.

[RonV11]

Thanks... One less think to worry about

 

I'm taking the Guzzi on a 4 day ride starting this Thursday. I'll make every effort to keep any moisture from even thinking of entering the engine.

[mtwillyman]

Thanks... One less think to worry about

 

My 2003 Stone does this during the 9 months a year when it's cool and wet here in western Washington. I just wipe it out of the oil pan. Maybe it's a good thing to drop that oil pan to change the oil filter. BTW, i run Shell Rotella 5w-40 and hardly ever ride the bike less then 15 miles at a crack. Peace.

[Guest scooterneal]

I've never experienced water in my oil. I live in New York State. It would seem that any moisture would evaporate off under normal operating conditions. Does it sit for long periods of time without running? Have you noticed emulsified oil/water when you change it? If you tend to get water in the oil it might be a good idea to change it more frequently than recommended since oil that is high in water looses efficiency.

[mike wilson]

In the UK, at normal temperatures, 15 miles will be just about getting the oil up to temperature. Double that for thorough warming, especially of the rear drive box. Quadruple _that_ for any chance of driving off excess moisture.

 

Even on my small block, notorious for running hot, I find droplets of water when I drop the sump. Sludge in there sounds like some serious cool running.