Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

[rwerner43]

I think I know the answer to this but want some opinions before I pull my engine.

I just has a huge problem with my heads rusting and freezing, I thought I had sucked up salt water from a raw water hose leak. Went through hell getting the heads replaced and getting it running, but now I have a small amount of steam coming out of the valve cover vents. It is a very light flow, but when I put a cup in the flow I get about 3 drops of water after a minute or two.

There is no water in my oil.

Cracked water jacket somewhere? Something simple I am not thinking of?

Thanks guys!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

Ayuh,... I'd sooner think it's just condensation, 'n nothing more....

 

[rwerner43]

Re: Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

I think it is worse than condensation. It does not get better with time. I just pulled the valve cover and it is filled with white oil and pockets of water. See the photo. Oil is still clean however...

 

[rwerner43]

Re: Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

The NEW heads, although the oil is still clean, look at the oil/water on the valves.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

Oil is still clean however...

Ayuh,... Unless, or until there's water in the oil,...

It's just Condensation.....

Due to physics,... That's Where condensation is Expected....

Take it out, 'n run it, HARD...
I'm betting the steam goes away about the time the oil heats up...

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

I will agree with bondo. Many engines will sweat like that. Especially in damp conditions. I had a 400 sbc in a camaro that skunked up the valve covers if it rained for a couple days and all winter long. During the summer it was dry and clean.

 

[GLENN M]

Re: Steam coming from 305 crusader valve cover vents

is this first time running since overhaul,if so give it a chance like stated run it,get it good and warm for awhile.for every gallon of gas amotor burns also burns a gallon of water.ive seen rust on lots of valve covers like that and was no problem just rust