condensation on plugs?

[cam67152]

I just finished firing my BBC 496, ran great! set the timing checked all the usual thingsevery thing seemed fine till the next day, I pulled a plug and it looked like it had water on it, I retorqued the intake (which I had milled to fit) checked the oil for water, it was fine (drained and changed filter) Started it up ran fine, next day water on the plugs again? Presurized rad, no leak down. Is this condensation? or a bigger problem?

:? thanks for any advice in advance.
cam67152

[BEAST477]

It could be condensation. How long are you running it? Are you running it long enough to bring the oil and coolant temps up to 180-200 degrees, if not that can cause condensation. I've had it happen before when taking off valve covers to check lash.

[cam67152]

I did bring it up to temp in the morning to set timing. But started it up later that night for a short time. Should i try bring it up to temp, let it cool then check the plugs? Then check them them again the next day. By the way its on all the plugs.

CAM67152

[cepx111]

Just curious what is the ambient air temp in your area?

Cool moisture ladden air will condensate on metal, especially this time of year.

It might be what your seeing.

Run the motor till you get it good and warm 180/200ish, let it cool till you can work on it without getting burned - then check the plugs.
That's what I do.

Cp

[itsabird]

if all looks well... no water in the oil, not over heating, then i agree with cepx, cold weather condensation.

[cam67152]

I'll try that this afternoon. Temps have been quiet cool, just above freezing, and wet!

[TheYellaBrick]

I'll try that this afternoon. Temps have been quiet cool, just above freezing, and wet!

THIS will be the issue ! Let 'er get up to temp and I'll bet you'll NOT find H20 on those sparkers.

[BEAST477]

Huh, I thought thats what I said, kinda. Now I'm confused.

[itsabird]

Huh, I thought thats what I said, kinda. Now I'm confused. :) yes you did, about the valve cover condesation, i had a guy tell, that hanging light bulb, or shrouded shop light over the engine would cure the problem.

[TheYellaBrick]

Beast,
Us old guys kinda rererepeat stuff, dontchya know :shock::roll: :oops: :oops:

[DRTRCR22]

What kind of fuel are you burning?
Alcohol attracts water condensation like crazy..!
Left over alky in the cylinders will steam up the heads.
Oxygenated gas fuels such as VP113 will also do it, but not as bad.
Maintinance on Alky engines calls for flushing the fuel system with gas at the end of every day before putting it to bed.
Jim

[cam67152]

I'm running VP C12.
I talked to a local dyno shop this morning, they said its most likely condesation. when they have been dynoing there engines the outside wall is acually dripping! They have also found lots of condensation on the valve covers, especially thin sheetmetal ones. I pulled the covers off and sure enough there was condesation there (clear not milky). I ran the engine, brought it up to temp, plugs were dry. cranked engine over with plugs out, no water :D .
I'm hoping that's what it is :!:

thanks for all the help.
CAM67152

[BEAST477]

Beast,
Us old guys kinda rererepeat stuff, dontchya know :shock::roll: :oops: :oops:

Yeah DD I know or at least I used to at one time. I think. :oops: