Condensation in the engine?

[ricematthews]

Darek:

Based on what you say (no reduction in coolant level, no change in oil
level), I would say that condensation is a likely cause.  You don't notice
white smoke out the tailpipe do you? Or a smell of coolant from the
tailpipe?  If not, you're probably OK.  You may want to check the oil while
the engine is hot after a good long run - this should burn the condensation
out of the oil and it shouldn't be milky.  I haven't noticed this to be an
issue with any of my Audi's, but my BMW 2002 used to have this quite
frequently in the cold weather.

One thing.....your digital gauge should probably show 1.4 bar as the maximum
boost (mine always did) - then again this is probably altitude dependant, so
if you live at a higher elevation, you may show lower boost.
Mark Rice

'98 A4 Avant Q
ex-'86 4000CSQ
ex,ex- '89 200TQ
'73 BMW 2002 - long term project

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I am a rookie Audi owner facing a possible problem. Recently I purchased a
1989 Audi 200tq with the later engine (MC). The car has about 185K on it and
is in fairly good shape. However, I recently started to see a bit of while
stuff on the oil cap and high on the dip stick (about where the dip stick
guide meets the crank case). It is not chucky just a bit of white haze on
the dip stick and somewhat thicker stuff on the oil cap. The car has not
been driven much in the last few months and I live in a cold climate (its
been below freezing the last few weeks so condensation is likely to form).
I've talked to three places (one of them a very reputable german car shop)
and they said that these engines have a moisture problem. I am not gaining
oil level (by the way the oil itself looks clean - no white stuff); I am not
losing coolant so far as I can tell; I see no evidence of oil in the
coolant; I took head temperature (with a laser temp sensor) and it is even
on different parts of the head and seems to be within limits; I seem to be
getting full boost (1.3bar). All seems normal and the shops seem to be right
but just to calm my nerves I would like to ask this question. Has any one
else encountered this (white stuff)? Is this normal for these engines if not
driven much and in cold climate? I am concerned about possible blown head
gasket or worse (cracked head or block). Sorry for the long queston! I would
appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks
Darek