"Water" in Oil for 964?

[cjoenck]

When I changed the oil on my 1991 964 I drained a couple of cups of water like substance from the thermostat drain plug before I got any oil. Condensation? Any idea what this could be? I am changing oil twice a year and use SWEPCO 306 15W40 oil. I posed the same question to the folks at LN Engineering.
Thanks

[dewflex]

Did you smell it? Could it be gasoline? How far do you normally drive it? If you aren't going far enough to warm up the engine, I bet it could be either of these, condensation or fuel.

[cjoenck]

Did not smell fuel. I don't think it's fuel. There was too much of it and flash point for fuel is just too low - I think

[TRE Cup]

most likely condensation. When cars are started, run for a few minutes to move around, even short 1-2 mile trips. then condensation sets in and a LOT of water will accumulate.

[LouZ]

Yes - condensation. As water is heavier than oil, it will accumulate at the low point, that being the T-stat drain. I have seen water in my oil on occassions, up to 1 cup!

You can "crack" open the drain plug just one or two turns and since water is less viscous than oil, it will flow out thru the threads easily. Once the water is out, the oil will "clog" as it attempts to pass thru the threads, then just retighten the plug.

[Newsboy]

I also get a little water coming out of the oil tanks drain plug. I usually change the oil in the spring, so always assumed it was due to condensation. If you drive your car less frequently
in winter, try to get it up to full temperature. The oil tank pickup is above where the water collects, so you should be O.K.

[cjoenck]

Thank you everyone. This makes perfect sense. During the winter I only drove the occasional short trip so condensation makes perfect sense. I was just surprise by the amount of water I got.

Thanks for the drain tip - good one.