Coolant in oil
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 9
From: Louisville, Kentucky
Coolant in oil
I got a shock today. I went to change the break-in oil in my 1988 4.9L rebuilt engine and found maybe a cup of coolant and milky looking oil coming out of the oil pan drain. I was shocked! There are no external leaks which is no surprise, I did have had to top the coolant off a couple times but I "assumed" I was working out the air bubbles. I didn't notice any change in the look of oil on dipstick or any high "oil " levels. Although this is my first 4.9L rebuild, I tried to be very attentive. The block was reworked at a reputable machine shop; however, I did have a cracked head and had to get a replacement head from a salvage yard. The replacement head was supposed to have been and had evidence showing that it had been magnafluxed for cracks. I did a visual check of the head and did not notice anything out of the ordinary. I don't want to start the engine at this point to check compression. if the head gasket failed or there is a cracked head, I will have to remove the head anyway.
My question is this: On the 4.9L engine where is the "likely" failure point/s given the info I have provided. I hope it is something stupid I did or failed to do. Thanks for any help!
My question is this: On the 4.9L engine where is the "likely" failure point/s given the info I have provided. I hope it is something stupid I did or failed to do. Thanks for any help!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
That's not a good sign. Unlike the ford V8, the straight 6 doesn't have many routes for the coolant to get into the oil. Bad head gasket, cracked head, or cracked block seems like the only paths. My guess is head gasket.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 9
From: Louisville, Kentucky
Coolant in oil
I figured I would have to remove the head at the very least. I expect to find that the head is cracked. The first thing I'm going to do is a search on the internet for an "ACME Butt Kicking Machine" with a remote operated controller. I got in a hurry when I bought the head because I did not jhave my machine shop inspect it before I installed it. They were backed up and could not get to it right away....Haste makes Waste". Anyway, I used a new Felpro head gasket with ARP head studs to install the head. I'm hopeful the problem is in or with the head and not a deeper and more serious issue with the block.
I''m going to drain the coolant now. Just looking at it in the neck of the radiator. It does not appear to be contaminated with oil.
I''m going to drain the coolant now. Just looking at it in the neck of the radiator. It does not appear to be contaminated with oil.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,519
Likes: 2,654
From: Near Salt Lake City
You might want to give it a second chance and change the oil and run it again
Possibly you did not drain the oil after the head was removed and you got coolant down the oil drain back holes?
If the radiator does not have contaminated milkshake? coolant, I would try it again but plan on buying a reman head
Possibly you did not drain the oil after the head was removed and you got coolant down the oil drain back holes?
If the radiator does not have contaminated milkshake? coolant, I would try it again but plan on buying a reman head
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
You might want to give it a second chance and change the oil and run it again
Possibly you did not drain the oil after the head was removed and you got coolant down the oil drain back holes?
If the radiator does not have contaminated milkshake? coolant, I would try it again but plan on buying a reman head
Possibly you did not drain the oil after the head was removed and you got coolant down the oil drain back holes?
If the radiator does not have contaminated milkshake? coolant, I would try it again but plan on buying a reman head
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 9
From: Louisville, Kentucky
Coolant in the oil
You might want to give it a second chance and change the oil and run it again
Possibly you did not drain the oil after the head was removed and you got coolant down the oil drain back holes?
If the radiator does not have contaminated milkshake? coolant, I would try it again but plan on buying a reman head
Possibly you did not drain the oil after the head was removed and you got coolant down the oil drain back holes?
If the radiator does not have contaminated milkshake? coolant, I would try it again but plan on buying a reman head
As the Chief Dan George said in the movie, "The Outlaw Josey Wales", "I will endeavor to persevere."
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 100
From: North Dakota
Pressure test the cooling system when its full of coolant. Pump about 15-20 psi in it and let it sit overnight. And go from there.
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