Coolant in oil

[wrichards]

Anybody heard of head gaskets, block crack etc that have happend with these engisne that cause coolant in oil. I just had my truck worked on and when I changed the oil today it was greenish in color. I suspect it is from the blacklight dye added to detect an oil leak at the Cummins shop but figured I would ask since I have previosly noticed white build up on my oil cap. Anybody else have slight oil vapor build-up on fill cap?

 

[Eric_77]

cracks gasket leaks et al will allow water into oil, oil into water, combustion chamber, or external leak.



How many miles do you drive at a time? if engine doesn't get up to 175-190 degrees for a least 45 minutes when driven then you will start to see condesation buildup in the oil which becomes visible on oil cap and dipstick.



Green fluid in the oil never seen that.

 

[wrichards]

What does coolant in oil look like?

 

[GAmes]

The water is heavier than the oil, so if you drain the first quart into a clear container, then let it sit awhile, you will see the oil float to the top.

 

[wrichards]

I took some clean oil and poured coolant into it and stirred. The two mixed together. Will they seperate it left in a jar for a day or two??

 

[illflem]

Depending on the concentration oil and coolant mix usually turns white. The oil cooler is the most common place for a leak on our engines but usually the oil gets in the coolant since the oil pressure is higher than the coolant pressure.

 

[LarryB]

Did you call the shop that repaired your oil leak and ask if they used dye? Have you changed the oil since you got it? wasn't it recently wrecked and some repairs made? Could something have gotten into the oil during the repairs.



I know, jeese, what is this, 20 questions? Just trying to help solve this mystery.

 

[wrichards]

Thanks for the help. I did call the shop and they did use a green dye so I hope that is the problem. I changed the oil, ran for about 1/2 hour around town, drove pretty hard than checked oil, no sign of anything but good clean oil. This is the first change since I bought it, but I had checked it several times and no green noted at all. This engine seems good, it does not smoke, it is clean, has same power as my old 1994 cummins, and when it is shut off it feels tight. Having no history and than seeing the oil green like coolant I think I may have paniced. I will drive some more an recheck tomorrow.

 

['956Wheel]

Coolant in the oil looks a lot like a milkshake... ... ... . they will stay mixed for the most part.



Also, coolant can and will get into the oil from a leaky oil cooler at shutdown as the oil pressure is zero and the coolant is still under pressure.



I put a permanent marker line on the recovery bottle so the exact level can be seen and closely monitered. Mark it when it is cool.



Mike