Early 2000 s bf50 water in oil

[siscoken]

Bought a bf50 last fall not running.... did some mechanical repairs (crank replace)
Put it on an old boat and started running it at ice out engine runs flawless .
As title indicates I have been getting an abnormal amount of water in oil.
I do spend a lot of time idling with ocationall 1/2 the throttle runs.
I have replaced thermostat with the highest temp that is available.... 72c I believe.
I have been suspicious of head gasket.... but not one to replace parts without proof.
I have vacuum tested crankcase and see no issues.
Latest test is to remove lower unit ... block all drains and fill cooling system with water and allow to sit over night.
So far no indication of water transfer from cooling system to crank case.
Any ideas on how to get the engine operating temps higher in cold water .

 

[siscoken]

So, more testing results ..... fresh oil change .... ran engine in tank for about an hr... let sit overnight and then drained a cup of oil from engine.... in that oil was about a tablespoon of clean water, so condensation.... ran again for about an hr... removed hose from valve cover to intake.... there was clean water sitting nipple opening and a fair amount drained from hose.
So this is my temporary possible solution for now.... added a length of hose to allow for loop.... now will do some lake time and monitor

 

[siscoken]

Thread update.
I have been using engine daily for the last week... oil is completely clear.
After a few hrs use and cool down, I can remove hose and drain a couple tablespoons of water out of loop.
Engine runs good and strong.... Will likely pull power head this winter and replace head gasket ... as precaution .... but as for now will continue to log hrs and monitor.