I installed an oil seperator a couple of weeks ago and it was collecting oil as it should. Well this week I noticed water in it. So I cleaned it out, checked the seals and reinstalled it. Well water again and no oil. Where is the water coming from? By the way the nipple at the bottom of the catch bottle is sealed on the inside.

 

most likely condensation

 

Noob question: What is the purpose of an oil separator?

 

A device that catches blow by particles such as carbon and oil in between the crank case and intake. Catching any impurities before entering the intake.

It's definitely condensation. It's pretty common on older cars when seals start to wear down, but I would make sure your lines are nice and tight on each ends of the seperator as well as the intake and crank case sides. If the hoses are too big and you're using a zip tie or something to make up for loose tension, go back to the parts store and get a more appropriate sized hose.

 

Relax, it is only condensation. Unless of course you have another issue we can't see being online and not under your hood over there.

 

Its filling about half of the container per week, all water with very little oil. It has cooled off alot here , I'll check all the connections again to make sure I dont have any leaks.

 

It's normal. It does that more during the colder months too.

 

[quote=07alloygt;1042870]A device that catches blow by particles such as carbon and oil in between the crank case and intake. Catching any impurities before entering the intake.
[quote]

So, is this stuff that wouldn't be caught by the oil filter?

 

Everything you wanted to know about oil seperators and more!

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showth...=oil+seperator

 

You might try wrapping some sort of insulation around the separator. The glass/plastic oil collector is probably being keep cool by the colder temps while the hot internal oil vapours are being cooled by the glass creating the condensation fallout.