Thread: condensation in the valve covers

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I would get at least a 180 degree thermostat. I also would find a sleeve type and not use the cheap poppet type. It's gonna cost a couple dollars more for the sleeve type but they are more accurate and actually will flow more coolant when needed. I've had a few come back with no heat problems when on the highway, and they were always the poppet type that I got at the local NAPA. You need to ask for the high performance or heavy duty style. Also ask the guy behind the counter if he knows the difference! If he doesn't I'd think about shopping somewhere else. I don't like having unhappy customers!

Never had a problem with the poppet thermostats, that's all there is for many applications. I always get the high-temp ones, 195 or 200 degrees F. Any engine runs better piping hot, and the moisture is gone quicker.
Some oils get what is known as "white paint" effect. The cold surfaces get coated with what I've been told is a viscosity modifier that separates in cold weather and coats stuff like what you have described. As soon as the engine warms up it dissolves back into the oil. In don't know how it "modifies" anything when it isn't in the cold oil, but who am I to argue with the oil companies? I tend to avoid oils that do it, anyway.

Pennzoil used to be bad at that, do you know of any others?