Chocolate milk in catch can?

0xfded

0xfded

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Noticed something unpleasant while checking my catch can (between the the PCV valve and throttle body):

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Water oil mix, I presume. Last few times I've checked, it's been straight oil.

Dipstick shows oil level is fine, and no sign of the mix there. Oil cap shows no sign of it. Radiator coolant is topped up. Everything is running fine, though it's been mostly short trips for the last couple of weeks, and a couple of wet days.

Anything I should check or watch for, besides engine temps? Catch can is cleaned out, we'll see if it continues.
 

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I've seen this happen from time to time in the intake area, it is caused when condensation builds up and mixes with oil and gives this strange appearance happen a lot with oil caps on valve covers. Typically just clean it off and move on. Unless your are seeing other signs that got your worried like overheating and such
 
SilverRidgeRunner1 said:
I've seen this happen from time to time in the intake area, it is caused when condensation builds up and mixes with oil and gives this strange appearance happen a lot with oil caps on valve covers. Typically just clean it off and move on. Unless your are seeing other signs that got your worried like overheating and such
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I concur with [MENTION=110088]SilverRidgeRunner1[/MENTION]...this will happen, especially with short trips. The engine isn't given enough time to truely warm up...and get hot enough to dissipate the moisture from the oil/engine. Take her for a 10-15 mile drive up on the highway...she will be happy again.

Just a thought...if you do a lot of short drives like this...I guess if this is the norm for you. Might want to think about changing your oil more often.
 
I've noticed similar results in my catch can. I mailed a sample in for analysis on Friday. I'll try to remember to post the results of the analysis when I get it in a few weeks.
 
RussToy said:
I concur with [MENTION=110088]SilverRidgeRunner1[/MENTION]...this will happen, especially with short trips. The engine isn't given enough time to truely warm up...and get hot enough to dissipate the moisture from the oil/engine. Take her for a 10-15 mile drive up on the highway...she will be happy again.

Just a thought...if you do a lot of short drives like this...I guess if this is the norm for you. Might want to think about changing your oil more often.
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Yep, that makes good sense. It's been wet and cold here lately too, so condensation was sort of what I figured too.

Been an unusual two weeks, lots of short errands and not enough time to do them on foot. As you say, just need to go for a longer cruise and cook things a bit more.
 
I'd check the inside of your oil fillter cap and look at the oil on the dipstick. If those are good, I wouldn't worry about it. If you've got that inside the filler cap you probably have problems.
 
0xfded said:
...Dipstick shows oil level is fine, and no sign of the mix there. Oil cap shows no sign of it. Radiator coolant is topped up.....
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98OzarksRunner said:
I'd check the inside of your oil fillter cap and look at the oil on the dipstick. If those are good, I wouldn't worry about it. If you've got that inside the filler cap you probably have problems.
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You must have missed this part of his original post. Sound like all is going to be good..thank goodness. :party:

Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving :bluejump:
 
You are fine. Sometimes the oil in my catch can looks worse, other times just fine. I chalk it up to the oil caught is mixing with a little moisture somewhere. For $10 change the PCV, using an OEM one.

Bad valve guide seals?

As long as the oil on the dipstick is good, drive on.
 
LittleCaesar said:
You are fine. Sometimes the oil in my catch can looks worse, other times just fine. I chalk it up to the oil caught is mixing with a little moisture somewhere. For $10 change the PCV, using an OEM one.

Bad valve guide seals?

As long as the oil on the dipstick is good, drive on.
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Replaced the PCV shortly after I picked it up in 2013, figure it's probably good for anther 200k.

Thanks for the advice everyone, sounds like nothing I'm going to worry about.
 
0xfded said:
Noticed something unpleasant while checking my catch can (between the the PCV valve and throttle body):

View attachment 181097

Water oil mix, I presume. Last few times I've checked, it's been straight oil.

Dipstick shows oil level is fine, and no sign of the mix there. Oil cap shows no sign of it. Radiator coolant is topped up. Everything is running fine, though it's been mostly short trips for the last couple of weeks, and a couple of wet days.

Anything I should check or watch for, besides engine temps? Catch can is cleaned out, we'll see if it continues.
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From what i can see, the catch can is doing it's job, without it that stuff would be in your motor.
 
Got a call from Blackstone Labs the other day. That's the company I use for my oil analysis. The tech said he couldn't do anything with the sample from my catch can because it was mostly water. He said the milky film is a common occurrence when oil mixes with water. He also said that some fuel was likely present based off the odor. The majority of it was definitely water though.

I asked where the water could be coming from and he asked where my catch can is mounted. His theory is that if the catch can is mounted in a location where there is a significant temperature difference, the natural moisture in the heated air is condensing and being caught in the can. My can is in the back passenger side corner near the fire wall, so that seems to make sense.

Long story short, he wasn't worried about it. The oil sample I sent from the oil pan had good results and he said if the engine is running fine he wouldn't worry about it.
 
midcoma said:
Got a call from Blackstone Labs the other day. That's the company I use for my oil analysis. The tech said he couldn't do anything with the sample from my catch can because it was mostly water. He said the milky film is a common occurrence when oil mixes with water. He also said that some fuel was likely present based off the odor. The majority of it was definitely water though.

I asked where the water could be coming from and he asked where my catch can is mounted. His theory is that if the catch can is mounted in a location where there is a significant temperature difference, the natural moisture in the heated air is condensing and being caught in the can. My can is in the back passenger side corner near the fire wall, so that seems to make sense.

Long story short, he wasn't worried about it. The oil sample I sent from the oil pan had good results and he said if the engine is running fine he wouldn't worry about it.
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Appreciate the follow-up and information.

I've been making sure to run longer and watching the catch can, and it looks like everything is back to normal. Just felt a bit paranoid with 220k on the engine and having just put the SC on a couple months ago.

(Funny how ridiculous that seems. So many engines are dead and buried by 200k, much less taking on new life after that. Love this damn thing.)
 
How about posting pictures of your catch cans and location. There is a lot of water vapor produced as a byproduct of the combustion process.
 
midcoma said:
Got a call from Blackstone Labs the other day. That's the company I use for my oil analysis. The tech said he couldn't do anything with the sample from my catch can because it was mostly water. He said the milky film is a common occurrence when oil mixes with water. He also said that some fuel was likely present based off the odor. The majority of it was definitely water though.

I asked where the water could be coming from and he asked where my catch can is mounted. His theory is that if the catch can is mounted in a location where there is a significant temperature difference, the natural moisture in the heated air is condensing and being caught in the can. My can is in the back passenger side corner near the fire wall, so that seems to make sense.

Long story short, he wasn't worried about it. The oil sample I sent from the oil pan had good results and he said if the engine is running fine he wouldn't worry about it.
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This is all very normal on every car I have owned. Fuel, water and a little blowbye of oil.

In my turbo cars I built I would have to empty that thing every few months.
 
I like where you put yours. I wish I would have though of that! I built a bracket for mine...it works! Also, please note: I'm not running the filter. It's been removed and a cap has been put in its place.
 

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19963.4lsr5 said:
You guys all bought your catch cans or made them?
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I bought mine. You can find them on eBay, Amazon, or just about any speed shop. I've seen them priced anywhere from $30-$350. The better cans have a two tier system inside, which helps allow the oil/water to condensate inside the can.

Therefore, allowing only clean air to return to the engine. Thus leaving all the impurities in the can for you to dispose of at your convenience!!

Good luck...
 
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