Archived 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 ?

 

[Extreme1]

I'd start by pressurizing the cooling system and looking for the leak. AutoZone might have a tool to borrow to try it out. If it went in the lake and you changed the oil once, there is still some bad oil left in the motor (injection pump and cooler circuit). If the cooling system holds pressure you might get by with another oil change or two.



If it doesn't hold pressure, it's probably the head gasket but it might have more problems that just the gasket. Was the engine running when it went swimming?

 

[Diesel Nut]

Head gasket??

 

[Valv]

Yep, that's what I figured, I was just afraid was a cracked block, but turned out just gasket..... Oo.