Moisture Build-up in Crankcase?
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Pro
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From: Nashville, TN
Moisture Build-up in Crankcase?
I have heard that one of the reasons to change oil every 12 months regardless of miles is because moisture tends to gradually build-up in the crankcase (mixed with the oil). My question is this: wouldn't the moisture vaporize and be sucked out the PCV system if you simply got on the highway and drove for a while until the engine got really warmed-up?
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Under certain climatic conditions the moisture in the air will condense in the crank case. If you drive your car far enough to get the engine up to proper operating temp, you will vaporize the moisture and it will be extracted out via the PCV system. If you drive very short distances or lower the operating temp of your engine to a point that you do not get the oil hot enough. all of the moisture may not burn off and can effect the oil.
My 2 cents.
BC
My 2 cents.
BC
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Under certain climatic conditions the moisture in the air will condense in the crank case. If you drive your car far enough to get the engine up to proper operating temp, you will vaporize the moisture and it will be extracted out via the PCV system. If you drive very short distances or lower the operating temp of your engine to a point that you do not get the oil hot enough. all of the moisture may not burn off and can effect the oil.
My 2 cents.
BC
My 2 cents.
BC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 929
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From: West Palm Beach FL
well said. this is just one reason i won't start my car in the winter. then in the spring i start it for the first time and drive it at least 20 minutes and/or until nominal operating temperatures have been reached and sustained for at least several minutes.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
I found that the lower thermostat temps can cause this unless it is hot outside. That's why I left in the stock thermostat and use a Vinci switch to keep things a little cooler than stock. My fans go on at 208 and off at 201 so my oil always gets above 200 but never goes above 220.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Also hurts if you have an oil cooler without a thermostat. My oil warms up quickly because the oil cooler is integrated with the radiator, but I have to keep the rpm's up for a while to get the temps over 180 degrees.
