cylinder condensation

[rxm6]

Hi everyone,

It was about time for a plug change and I drove the car about 10 minutes from home to my shop. I then let it sit for about an hour. Started in on it and found condensation in the 3rd cylinder back on the passenger side. After completing the swap out, I found no other cylinders with condensation.

Now I know that the Q generally takes some time to clear the condensation in the exhaust, especially with gentle driving. So what I'm wondering is, is that just condensation for the exhaust or should I be thinking about......replacing my head gasket?

[maxnix]

If a valve in that cylinder was in an open position, then air cooling of the cylinder would have produced condnesation, would it not?

[Q451990]

I'm not sure what you mean... did you inspect the cylinders with a borescope, or are you saying you found condensed water vapor on the spark plug?

Heath

[elwesso]

im sure he's talking about condensation in the little hole where the spark plug sits, i cant imagine theres any condensation in the cylinder after undergoing combustion for 10 minutes!!!

Unless of course he was just talking condensation on the top of the piston, which you could easily see from the top.

[Skibane]

Unless you're replacing coolant on a regular basis, I would suspect condensation rather than a leaking gasket.

[Q45tech]

If a Q45 produces 1.1 pounds of CO2 per mile driven how much water vapor is produced? Is today's riddle. Assumming a specific relative humidity average say 60%.

[rxm6]

I found water vapor on the plug itself and in the cylinder. None of the other, plugs contained condensation on them, only that one cylinder.

I am replacing coolant. About a quart every 4-5 months.

Now I was inclined to think that the valve was open as well. But my knowledge of engines ends with mechanical lifters. I really don't understand how the new engines work with oil pressure lifters and I didn't want to sound stupid suggesting the valve was left open.

Also q45tech, I will venture a guess of 0.52 pounds of water vapor per mile driven.

[elwesso]

I found water vapor on the plug itself and in the cylinder. None of the other, plugs contained condensation on them, only that one cylinder.

I am replacing coolant. About a quart every 4-5 months.

Now I was inclined to think that the valve was open as well. But my knowledge of engines ends with mechanical lifters. I really don't understand how the new engines work with oil pressure lifters and I didn't want to sound stupid suggesting the valve was left open.

Also q45tech, I will venture a guess of 0.52 pounds of water vapor per mile driven.

Have you checked for leaks? Obviously that coolant has to be going somewhere?