Antifreeze in oil

Dalton S. · Jul 3, 2009

Alright so I'm rebuilding the engine on a 77 diesel. I hadnt worked on it in quite a while because I was busy with school and what not. The other day I pulled the dipstick on it to make sure just oil was in it, and the oil was a little thin. So, I drained the oil, and when it came out probably 2 quarts of antifreeze came with it. I had the head and block magnafluxed by a machine shop, and that same machine shop installed the pistions, sleeves, rings, crank, and rods, so I know I didnt do any of that wrong, and I know there isnt any cracks anywhere. When I put the head on, it was probably around 20 degrees outside, and about 40 where I was working on it, so maybe since it is warmer now, I should retorque the head of something. I dont know what to do. I've stuck to much money into this thing.

Dick W. · Jul 3, 2009

You may need to pull the pan and watch for the leak. It could be the sleeve o rings.You should be able to see that with the pan off. Another place for a leak into the oil would be on top of the head at the core plugs. You would need to pull the valve cover for that look/see. Hope you find the leak, keep the coolant out of the oil by pulling the oil pan plug before you start the engine. With a little practice you can spin it out and back in with ease after a little drain time. Have a good 4th.

RAB · Jul 3, 2009

Remove the pan and look for the leak(s), pressurising the cooling system if necessary.

Coolant leaking inside the liners would indicate problem at head level, leakage from around the liner would indicate liner seals at the bottom of the block.

Not so much cost to you in time or a new sump gasket to find where you need to go. Head is obviously down to you, liner seals to the engine shop.

Questions to ask are: did you torque the head bolts in the correct sequence and to the correct torque? Was head checked for straightness? Are core plugs leaking?

You said 'to make sure just oil was in it, and the oil was a little thin'

Not sure what to make of this comment. Oil and antifreeze don't mix so would not thin the oil. 2 quarts should have been noted by 'high' oil level on the dip stick.

Hope this helps. Better to find the problem now than later.....

Regards, RAB

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Jul 4, 2009

I'm with Dick. Pull the pan and look for drips. If you have a radiator that can be pressurized, a radiator pressure tester will help find the leak faster and easier. If the oil was thin, maybe you have 2 problems. I had thin oil in my D17 diesel and it turned out to be a rolled seal on the pump drive shaft leaking fuel into the oil.

Antifreeze in oil

Dalton S.

New User

Dick W.

Member

RAB

Well-known Member

Brian Jasper co. Ia

Well-known Member

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