Only Joking!
But seriously, I just done an oil and filter change. When I drain
the oil tank (via the thermostat housing plug), there has been on two recent
occasions water coming out first. I estimate about a couple of tablespoonfuls.
Is this just "normal" condensation ? or is water from when I wash the car (including jetting out the rear wheel arches (wheel house, for our American friends)). Finding its way into the tank ? Anyone have similar occurrences ?

 

Yeah, I get the same thing. I was told that i'm not getting the car hot enough to burn off the water.......

 

The water is condensation that gathers in the oil tank.The more cold start/short trip driving you do the more water there is.The oil in the tank sits on the oil so the water is the first thing you see on an oil change.What you describe is pretty normal.

 

I get it every time as well.

 

I drive the car about 40 miles 1-way to work, sometimes stop-go traffic, and I'm pretty sure the engine gets warm enough. Quit taking the car to the grocery store and drive that sucka'

 

One tip (I can't remember who suggested it) is to allow the car to idle for 15-30 seconds before shutting it down if you know you aren't going to drive it for a while. Apparently that cool down period helps to keep the condensation to a minimum.b
Brian

 

You may also want to keep the oil level topped off, so that there is less room for condensation to occur. I utilize that couple of cooldown minutes to check the dipstick before I shut the engine down and add a bit if needed.

Duncan