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Triumph TR5 - Condensation in oil

I'm looking at a TR5 to purchase. The condition of the car is excellent and it drives beautifully. There are receipts adding up to tens thousands of dollars for bodywork, rebuilding the engine etc etc. I'm buying the car from a very reputable classic car dealer the owner of which I know through my car club. My only concern is that there is the appearance of condensation on the dip stick and a small amount of condensation on the inside of the oil filler cap. The oil is not emulsified and there is new build-up of emulsification in the rocker cover. The explanation I've been given is that the car has only had short runs over the last few (winter) months, has rarely got to full operating temp and that it shouldn't be a concern. I'm having a compression test and a cooling system pressure test. Do you think the explanation given is plausible? Can you suggest any other tests? Thank in advance.
G A Crutchley

Gary,

This is a correct assumption, short runs can cause condensation to form within the crankcase and valve cover. You are doing the right thing by having the cooling system pressure checked but instead of a compression test have a "leak down" or "pressure differential" test performed. This is similar to a compression test but with this test each cylinder is brought to top dead center and a known pressure is applied and the differential of leakage is represented on the second gauge. At this time you can hear and see where there is leakage and if it is a head gasket you will see bubbles in the radiator. It is not common for the 250 or 6 engine to have a bad head gasket so I really don't think you have a lot to worry about. Just in time for summer, eh? Steve
Steve Yott

Steve thanks for your comments and advice. In rthe next week or so I should be the proud owner of a TR5. The only sad thing is I'm selling my MGB to make way for it!
Gary Crutchley

This thread was discussed between 25/08/2003 and 26/08/2003

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