What does grey crankcase oil mean in an air-cooled VW engine?

I'm trying to get an engine running that has been sitting for three years. When I drained the oil that had been sitting it was black with maybe 2 ounces of water in it. I ran it for a few minutes with fresh oil and a new filter. That oil has turned grey.What does grey crankcase oil mean in an air-cooled VW engine?
Sounds more like magnesium dust from corrosion. The engine case is an aluminum/magnesium alloy. If it sat with condensation in it for a length of time you have a problem.You've seen how aluminum corrodes and instead of hard red rust like steel it turns to a powdery white dust. I'm afraid that is what you see in your oil. You may get lucky if you keep changing out the oil and filter. maybe add a cup full of Marvel Mystery Oil each time. Try this web site for more info.





http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/What does grey crankcase oil mean in an air-cooled VW engine?
You have still got condensation and sediment in the oil system. Run it for a short time to warm it up and then repeat the oil and filter change. Don't run any additives or chemical flushes through it. They would probably cause damage by blocking the oil passages. I have brought engines ';back to life'; and never needed to use them. Don't use the non-detergent oil as suggested by another. It would allow formation of deposits that you are already trying to get rid of.
Sounds like an oil additive or ';Never Seize'; or ';Lubriplate'; was added to the oil before it was shut down. Some gumbo. I wouldn't worry about it though, considering it runs. That is all you really are interested in.


Not a worry. And the moisture is common (more so on engines that have a few miles on them.) What filter? Most air cools just have a screen.





You don't need any additives. Heck, they don't even need detergent oil as they are meant to run on straight weights SAE30 or SAE20(in the winter)
it's still got water in it..add some motor flush and run it for a few minutes and drain again..

sunscreen