Crankcase ventilation

My 853 has the ventilation tube running from the valve cover down to the bottom of the engine bay. I've noticed a small discharge from it that felt more like water than oil so I fashioned a small aluminum can to the discharge end of the tube to catch it before it hit the floor and also while running the engine. I just drained this for the first time in several hours of operation and found about an ounce of what appeared to be almost clear (not green like the anti freeze) water. The radiator appears to be full along with the plastic semi transparent filler/relief tank. The crankcase oil remains at the same level and doesn't appear to have water in it. Is it possible that this water substance is just a result of the hot gases in the engine condensing in this aluminum can or is this a sign of an engine water leak? Opinions welcomed. P.S., the engine had a new head gasket about 30 hours ago.

It is possible the gasket is leaking, but hopefully it isn't.
Personally, i'd change the oil and give the catch can a clean out. It may have been residue from when the gasket was done. Coolant does leak a little, it may have been that.
I don't like that the coolant is not green/red. Dump that and re-fill it with coolant.

Tazza said:

It is possible the gasket is leaking, but hopefully it isn't.
Personally, i'd change the oil and give the catch can a clean out. It may have been residue from when the gasket was done. Coolant does leak a little, it may have been that.
I don't like that the coolant is not green/red. Dump that and re-fill it with coolant.

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Thanks for the input. The coolant in the radiator and the coolant recovery tank is new and green. The clear fluid I was speaking of is in the little catch can I had installed on the down tube. I'm thinking it may just be condensate from the engine as you indicated, but I'm in the process of draining the crankcase oil into a clear plastic jug to see if any water separates overnight. I'll put new oil in tomorrow. Hopefully this is just normal and a false concern. Thanks again.

HMILLER said:

Thanks for the input. The coolant in the radiator and the coolant recovery tank is new and green. The clear fluid I was speaking of is in the little catch can I had installed on the down tube. I'm thinking it may just be condensate from the engine as you indicated, but I'm in the process of draining the crankcase oil into a clear plastic jug to see if any water separates overnight. I'll put new oil in tomorrow. Hopefully this is just normal and a false concern. Thanks again.

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I'd like to think that it is just condensation, an oil change is a good idea, keep an eye on it.