Odd water in oil question. Merc 140 model 2770087

[Leedanger]

Mercruiser 140 i/o model 2770087 (1968-72). Milky oil came pissing out the gasket of the valve cover out on the lake (apparently the valve cover gasket is bad) but I don't understand the milky oil because the dipstick was totally clean, just low obviously. How can this be that the oil in the pan is clean but the stuff it squired out is water contaminated? That was a couple of days ago and I have checked it again since just to be sure it didn't just take a minute for it to settle lower....oil still clean.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Odd water in oil question. Merc 140 model 2770087

Ayuh,... Yer seein' condensation...

 

[Leedanger]

Re: Odd water in oil question. Merc 140 model 2770087

Ayuh,... Yer seein' condensation...

Pardon sir, not sure I understand fully. Are you saying what I am seeing is normal? If how I am interpreting your answer is correct, I'd further gather that what happens is the condensation (milky oil) that gathers up higher in the engine boils, evaporating the existing water before it goes down lower into the crank. THerefor by the time I check it on the dip, all is well?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Odd water in oil question. Merc 140 model 2770087

Pardon sir, not sure I understand fully. Are you saying what I am seeing is normal? If how I am interpreting your answer is correct, I'd further gather that what happens is the condensation (milky oil) that gathers up higher in the engine boils, evaporating the existing water before it goes down lower into the crank. THerefor by the time I check it on the dip, all is well?

Ayuh,... Correct... Run it up to temp, 'n it'll be gone...

 

[Leedanger]

Re: Odd water in oil question. Merc 140 model 2770087

Ayuh,... Correct... Run it up to temp, 'n it'll be gone...

That's truly fascinating to me, but makes perfect sense. Thanks for your time.