Oil in radiator

This message is a reply to an archived post by ChasNY on September 13, 2014 at 13:43:46.
The original subject was "Re: Oil in radiator".



Saw this archived post and was wondering how it turned out. I'm restoring my 2nd 1945 Ford 2N and when I pulled the parts of the engine (water pump) a very thick oil-based sludge came out. When I drained the radiator & block (drain spigot) earlier, the coolant was slightly discolored as if there was oil present. But nothing like what came out of the block behind the water pump during dis-assembly.

I pulled the cylinder head and gasket: could not see any obvious gasket tears or surface cracks. Just curious what else I should look for - it was a very thick dark ooze that came out of the water jacket portion of the engine block and that is very concerning. The tractor ran prior to the restoration: not well, but it did start and ran before I shut it down a few weeks ago.

Will continue dismantling the head (removing crank/timing shaft, pistons/valves, sleeves, etc.) and then give the engine block an acid bath. I am planning to do a complete engine overhaul (new sleeves, pistons, valves, etc.) like I did to my 1st 1945 Ford 2N. That tractor has been running fantastic for the past few months. See my restoration website URL below if interested...

Any suggestions are welcome as to what to look for regarding root cause of this murky coolant 'liquid' within the block's water jackets...

Thanks!
Ford 2N Reese

breese........long time ago, you used to haffta add water pump lube to the radiator water. Wynn's was common pannzer-pizz used. Now adaze, water pump lube is included in yer anti-freeze. Always use 50/50 anti-freeze even in deep south. Too bad you didn't do a radiator "flush" with chemicals BEFORE you dismantled yer engine. ........HTH, historian Dell

Dell,

Thanks for the response. I was aware of older water pumps needing lubrication, but the amount of "oil-like" liquid was excessive: hard to quantify in terms of %. Maybe 15% if I had to make a guess.

I didn't flush the system since I knew I was going to pull everything apart for a restoration. That said, I'll keep watch for any cylinder head or engine block cracks/holes that shouldn't be there. So far, the cylinder head looks really good: none of the water jackets were clogged which was not the issue with restoration #1.

I appreciate the response and will post if I find anything of further interest. Thanks!
Bryan