Headgasket?

[chris.richard]

When running the engine to set the sealer on the silencer, I noticed the rear bank was putting out white vapour for the first few minutes until it warmed up. I had noticed the inside of that side of the silencer had had condensation on it when I opened it. Is this early sign of gasket trouble - not seen any oil emulsion or water loss. Thought I'd put a scope down the sparkplug hoes and see if I can spot a steam-cleaned piston. At least the rear bank head is easy to get at, it's just all the bollox with the cambelt that I'm not looking forward to, or should I get it done by an independent Alfa garage? Any thoughts?

[David May]

Normally the pressure of combustion forces exhaust gases into the waterways and pumps the water out that way. Its unlikely that water can get into a cylinder (unless via a cracked head or manifold.) If you're only running at idle, it can take a long time to warm the silencers and drive out all the condensation. A lot of exhaust gasses are water, which is normally hot enough to exit as invisible steam. If the exhaust system is not very hot it condenses to white droplets not harmful.

[chris.richard]

Shouldn't it be the same for both banks though? I'll be ecstatic if it's nothing to worry about!

[David May]

In theory yes, but the front bank gets less cooling air and the exhaust runs a lot hotter. I would not be worrying about head gaskets (unless you knew the engine had been badly assembled!)

[David May]

I remember worrying about all manner of smoke and steam coming out of everywhere, until I got the car on the road and warmed it up fully. Never seen anything since!

[chris.richard]

Glad to have something to cross off the worry list! :)