Condensation in Oil
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
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Condensation in Oil
So it was cool today (42 deg F) but sunny so I went for nice ride. Was nice getting out as the snow will be on the ground sooner or later. I don't mind the cold. When I came back I parked the bike in the garage (heated of course) About an hour later I was mucking around and wanted to take a look at the oil which was new just prior to the last ride a couple weeks ago. The oil filler neck had white condensation in it. Quite a lot actually but nothing in the oil it self. The first time I have ever seen that and I have to assume it was not going for a long enough ride to burn it off. I was out for about 20 minutes.
How long should it usually take to burn condensation off? I went and started the bike back up and let it run for a while in the garage to get it hot. Hope that works
randy
2003 RKC
How long should it usually take to burn condensation off? I went and started the bike back up and let it run for a while in the garage to get it hot. Hope that works
randy
2003 RKC
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
IMHO the ambient temp. was cool enough to limit the operating temp. of the oil and yes the ride should have been longer to really get the oil hot, at least to operating temp. If you have any days in the 50's go out for about an hour. My rule is at 50 or below my oil coolers get wrapped, this help the engine/oil get to temp.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
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Thanks fellas, first time I ever did/noticed it. I started it up and let it get hot in the garage (doors open) and when I shut it down the exhaust was ticking and you can feel the heat coming off of it. I checked it and don't see any now, but I learned something today.
randy
randy
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From: Bedford UK
That was a common problem when multi-grade oils first came out, it inflicted cars as well, although not all oils did it for any single application. A change of brand often solved the problem if it persisted.
What happens is that the oil cap stays cold, not heating up as much as the oil, so vapour settles on the underside of the cap. As suggested, a longer ride may have got temps high enough to get rid of it.
What happens is that the oil cap stays cold, not heating up as much as the oil, so vapour settles on the underside of the cap. As suggested, a longer ride may have got temps high enough to get rid of it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Rockland County, NY
The longer ride is about keeping the oil at operating temperature for a period of time because the moisture evaporates over time, not instantly at max temperature. Once you park it you could consider removing the oil cap so the new condensation from your most recent ride can escape into the air. Once it cools, replace the cap.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Texas, USA
It's simple. The condensation in the oil won't evaporate until the oil temperature reaches 212° F. As jberg mentioned, it isn't instantaneous. The oil must stay at or above 212° for a period of time for all of the water and water based contaminants to evaporate.
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Many don't realize this but burning of one gallon of gasoline produces about one gallon of liquid water. It's first in the form of vapor. Since all engines experience a very small amount of exhaust blow-by, a little water vapor gets into the engine crankcase and oiling passages. If the engine doesn't get up to full operating temperature long enough to expel those vapors thru the breather, the vapors will condense on cold spots in the engine as it cools. If an engine is repeatedly started and shut off prior to reaching operating temperature, over time it could accumulate water in the oil.