Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Help, lots of water in oil....

[Valv]

Bought this 1997 4x4 auto as "project" truck.

Looks like it went into a lake partially.

Had no oil in case. Opened plug and at least 2 gallons of coolant came out.

Filled with new oil, changed filter. After several attempt to bleed pump (new fuel filter) finally got truck running.

White smoke, lots of water bubbling off radiator. Drained oil again and it was very gray with a lot of water in it still.



I am sure I will need a head gasket, but could I have a cracked block ?



Could it be just oil cooler >



My assumption is motor got temp shocked when got wet and warped head.



How can I notice a cracked block after pulling head ? Any particular area more prone to damage ?

 

[Valv]

Anybody there ????

 

[MLee]

I'd go with the oil cooler first. Did it come from New Orleans?? Whats the history of the truck, how was it used and where did it come from. And if you Keep it DO THAT DOWEL PIN.

marv.

 

[raychem]

[I am sure I will need a head gasket, but could I have a cracked block ?



Could it be just oil cooler >



My assumption is motor got temp shocked when got wet and warped head.



How can I notice a cracked block after pulling head ? Any particular area more prone to damage ?[/QUOTE]





Valv,



I am pretty sure you head gasket is gone but if you want go ahead and remove the oil cooler and sent it to a radiator shop that does marine radiator appications. They will have the equipment to test the oil cooler for leaks and clean it at the same time. Since you are going to remove the head send it to a machine shop to get magna fluxed and checked for cracks. As for the block, one trick we use to find small minuscule cracks is to drain the engine completely of coolant. Once this is done, fill the block with mineral spirts. The b engine is abot 2-3 gallons of spirts with the head removed. NOW THIS IS NOT A TELL ALL. This only works if the crack is significant enough to allow the spirts thur but not coolant. Do this while monitoring the spirts level as some will evaporate. If the crack is one that is only apparent when the engine is warm; which has happend to me in the past well than you know what must be done. You could also magnaflux the block which will give you your answers but than again you will have to remove the block. This is just something to keep you from doing all that work if it is not needed.





Richard