Water in Crankcase

DougVieyra

DougVieyra

Well-known member
So today I checked my oil level in my Model A and found a thick grayish 'oil' all the way up the dip stick. Checked it three times, the stuff went all the way up to the bottom of the bayonet handle.

I tried doing a 'search' on the FB Forum: "Water in Crankcase", but must not be doing it right - nothing came up. Well, lots of stuff came up - but nothing to do with 'Water in the Crankcase".

So that leaves me to pester you reliable folks in the Forum, with the question:
"What causes water to get into the crankcase?" I am familiar with the standard "Head Gasket leaks", "Water inlet & outlet gasket leaks". Where else might I need to look for a solution to the problem?

- Doug Vieyra
 
that's usually a problem associated with a cracked block, run a compression check to see what cylinder is causing the problem, check the plugs as you pull them to see if any have water on them, if the engine has been run for awhile with the water leaking in the cylinder that plug will be clean, no soot or carbon on it, it may also be very white
 
Had the same problem, and had to have two 'rescue' cylinder sleeves fitted and re-bored.It got bad enough to see water globules (lumps) in the oil when the sump was drained. The problem was a crack in #3 cylinder bore that you could feel with your thumb nail and #2 looked to be 'bruised'- dark patches in the bore, so while at the machine shop I had the old studs removed, and the block decked. It is now in my workshop awaiting a rebuild/ assembly.
 
I thought I was buying a good block at an auction about 12 years ago. I found a long crack in the valve chamber caused by using water in freezing temps.
 
It is possible it is just a blown head gasket
Only by tearing it down and inspection will you know for sure
has it been using coolant or running poorly ??
 
maybe you can try a leak down test first to determine if a head or head gasket issue exists.maybe something will show up in the radiator.
have the oil drain plug out when doing the leak down so you can see if any coolant starts coming out while pressurizing each cylinder....
maybe you will have a road to head down this way instead of exploratory surgery...
 
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colin1928 said:
It is possible it is just a blown head gasket
Only by tearing it down and inspection will you know for sure
has it been using coolant or running poorly ??
Click to expand...
But there aren't any oilways in the head- do you think the water may have seeped through a poor head gasket into the cylinder bore and trickled down there ?
 
replying to post #5:

The car was used regularly (without problems) until about five months ago when health issues caused me to park the car in the garage.

Yesterday, before I tried to start it up, I checked the oil and found the oil/water issue. In trying to get the car to start, after charging the battery, I found that it would not start - fuel issue most likely - corn gas !

So now I am first needing to get it to start, then I'll look into what is happening to let water into the crank-case.

- Doug Vieyra
 
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Doug,
I assume the radiator was empty?, I would drain the oil-water mixture over a few days, refill with oil then concentrate on getting the engine running, fresh fuel, clean the point contacts, check for spark.
You posted a few days ago in regards to water in the fuel tank, both problems maybe caused from condensation build up, not much to lose here by trying before tearing down the engine.
 
Model A Drew: " I'm having a similar issue. What was your outcome? "
_______________________________________________

BACKGROUND: A few months earlier I had begun a long and thorough effort to clean the rusty crud, melted 'sealer', and other manner of flotsam from my gas tank. Part of that process was to remove my instrument panel from the gas tank, so as to gain access to the gas tank.

To accomplish that I had to loosen the head-bolt that secures the ignition/distributor cable. I suspect that when reassembling everything, the head-bolt did not get sufficiently tightened to prevent water seepage into my engine, which eventually worked its way down to the oil pan.

Of course it took a bit of trial and error investigating to find that conclusion. But once I did the proper method of tightening ALL of the head-nuts, I have not had the problem since.
 
Just for a more complete understanding, On a more modern engine with a pressurized cooling system, the technician would remove all of the sparkplugs and then pressurize the system with a cooling system pressure tester to a safe level. Then crank the engine with the ignition disabled. Vapors or spray would be seen at the cyl. where the leak was occurring. Now you would know where to look before teardown. Our radiators aren't able to withstand much pressure if any.
 
100IH said:
Just for a more complete understanding, On a more modern engine with a pressurized cooling system, the technician would remove all of the sparkplugs and then pressurize the system with a cooling system pressure tester to a safe level. Then crank the engine with the ignition disabled. Vapors or spray would be seen at the cyl. where the leak was occurring. Now you would know where to look before teardown. Our radiators aren't able to withstand much pressure if any.
Click to expand...

How do you differentiate fuel vapors from water vapors, esp on a small leak...
That's not the way I would do it.....
 
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I had this exact problem. It ended up being a head gasket leak due to a slightly warped head. I had the head planed and put a new head gasket on. The water must have been making its' way past the rings. 1k miles since with no problems.
 
If ya didn't drain the coolant level below the head it might have leaked past that number 8 stud. Maybe change the oil and check the torque on that stud. Good luck
 
I had this issue with a new rebuild. Installed the engine . Connecting all the hoses . Put in the right amount of oil . Starting filling the radiator. It keep taking water. After almost four gallons and no leaks. I checked the oil. I found the additional water . Called the rebuilder , drain the crank case . Pulled the distributor . You could see the water running the hole . Pulled the motor had a collar meachined and installed in the block . Have not had any more water in the pan . Hope this might help . Miff
 
My Brother and I have both had oil in the radiator, what would cause that. The difference between mine and his, is that his is a rebuilt engine, mine is old and used. Thank you Craig 321-427-7861 cell, Melbourne, Florida.
 
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