The Ford Barn

jim galli · 03-15-2015, 06:16 PM

So, yesterday I pulled the dipstick on the '38 coupe and discovered chocolate milk in the oil pan.

Seeking help on the initial thought process. What is the most common source of coolant water getting into the oil gallery? Pulled the plugs to see if any droplets were on any of them. Nope. They look fine.

At first my heart sank and I thought about selling the car. But realistically, the V8-60 isn't getting the job done anyways and perhaps this is the trip lever to start looking for a good running full size V8. Anyone got one for me. Need trans also, and the bigger '38 radiator.

Tony, NY · 03-15-2015, 07:55 PM

Is the oil level noticeably up from the coolant? If not, check the crankcase ventilation system for restrictions. Could be condensation in the oil. Change the oil and check it after every use of the car to see how fast it gets contaminated with water. Sounds like you're going to change out the motor anyway.

jim galli · 03-15-2015, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony, NY

Is the oil level noticeably up from the coolant? If not, check the crankcase ventilation system for restrictions. Could be condensation in the oil. Change the oil and check it after every use of the car to see how fast it gets contaminated with water. Sounds like you're going to change out the motor anyway.

The level is up 1 1/2 - 2 quarts and the car has been idle, so no heat, just seepage some place.

Ray Balukas · 03-16-2015, 02:02 AM

I had the same problem with my 8BA. Over time the oil level would rise, and the oil turn milky. Head gasket was the issue. A Walt Dupont rebuild cured the issue.

mercman from oz · 03-16-2015, 07:15 AM

There are a few areas where water can enter the oil. It happened to me in my 34 Ford with the V8. I could remove a Head to see if that was the problem, but which head, and sometimes, these are hard to remove, plus the expense of new Head Gaskets. Then I got to thinking that one of the Freeze Plugs (we call them Welsh Plugs) could be the problem? So decided that this was the first place to look, so jacked up the front of the 34 and removed the Oil Pan, & sure enough, one of these small Freeze Plugs was leaking. This was a good time to clear out these passages in the Block. After cleaning by pushing a screw driver up and down in the holes, then washed it out with water, I replaced all four of them while I was at it. Made up a new Gasket and replaced the Pan. Replacing a Pan while the Motor is still in the car is not the easiest thing to do, but is much easier than removing the whole motor. Problem Solved. It worked for me. The attached photos show two of these Welsh Plugs and the Sludge that came out of another 34 Block that was removed from the car

Gary in La. · 03-16-2015, 09:56 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

NOTE: A V8 - 60 does not have these plugs.

hotcoupe · 03-16-2015, 10:01 AM

NOTE: A V8 - 60 does not have these plugs.

mine did.
tom

Gary in La. · 03-16-2015, 10:13 AM

OOPs Forgot about the big one in the middle of the rail.

jim galli · 03-16-2015, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary in La.

OOPs Forgot about the big one in the middle of the rail.

Thanks for all of this. Where is the "middle of the rail" one at. Sorry to sound ignorant but haven't heard that terminology before. Appreciate the help.

Gary in La. · 03-16-2015, 07:48 PM

The rail is basically slang for the bottom outer edge of the block where the oil pan bolts on. About 1/2 way from front to rear is a location for the core plug. There is one on each side and these can rust out and leak coolant.

jim galli · 03-16-2015, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary in La.

The rail is basically slang for the bottom outer edge of the block where the oil pan bolts on. About 1/2 way from front to rear is a location for the core plug. There is one on each side and these can rust out and leak coolant.

Sweet. Thanks. jg

Kurt in NJ · 03-16-2015, 09:27 PM

With acold engine---Fill the radiator to the top with water, crank the engine with the ignition off, if the level rises and then bubbles come take off the heads

jim galli · 03-16-2015, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

With acold engine---Fill the radiator to the top with water, crank the engine with the ignition off, if the level rises and then bubbles come take off the heads

Had this exact thought. Perhaps pressurize each spark plug hole with compressed air and look for bubbles.

Miles in MN · 03-17-2015, 01:32 AM

I'm no expert but I have a close friend who I would consider to be an expert on the 60-horse V8. The water pumps on a V8 60 are lubed with engine oil through a passage in the front cover. The pumps are pressed or screwed in place so the passages are not visible, but if the seals leak on the pumps the coolant uses those passages to travel into the crankcase. I wouldn't be surprised if rebuilt water pumps cured your problem; you may be getting coolant in your oil through the pumps via leaky seals.

03-15-2015, 06:16 PM	#1
jim galli Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tonopah, NV. Posts: 283	Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 So, yesterday I pulled the dipstick on the '38 coupe and discovered chocolate milk in the oil pan. Seeking help on the initial thought process. What is the most common source of coolant water getting into the oil gallery? Pulled the plugs to see if any droplets were on any of them. Nope. They look fine. At first my heart sank and I thought about selling the car. But realistically, the V8-60 isn't getting the job done anyways and perhaps this is the trip lever to start looking for a good running full size V8. Anyone got one for me. Need trans also, and the bigger '38 radiator. __________________ He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose... Jim Elliott, 1949 http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com

03-15-2015, 07:55 PM	#2
Tony, NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Capital of Corruption , NY Posts: 811	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 Is the oil level noticeably up from the coolant? If not, check the crankcase ventilation system for restrictions. Could be condensation in the oil. Change the oil and check it after every use of the car to see how fast it gets contaminated with water. Sounds like you're going to change out the motor anyway.

03-16-2015, 02:02 AM	#4
Ray Balukas Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Deerfield N.H. Posts: 294	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 I had the same problem with my 8BA. Over time the oil level would rise, and the oil turn milky. Head gasket was the issue. A Walt Dupont rebuild cured the issue.

03-16-2015, 07:15 AM	#5
mercman from oz Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 10,361	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 There are a few areas where water can enter the oil. It happened to me in my 34 Ford with the V8. I could remove a Head to see if that was the problem, but which head, and sometimes, these are hard to remove, plus the expense of new Head Gaskets. Then I got to thinking that one of the Freeze Plugs (we call them Welsh Plugs) could be the problem? So decided that this was the first place to look, so jacked up the front of the 34 and removed the Oil Pan, & sure enough, one of these small Freeze Plugs was leaking. This was a good time to clear out these passages in the Block. After cleaning by pushing a screw driver up and down in the holes, then washed it out with water, I replaced all four of them while I was at it. Made up a new Gasket and replaced the Pan. Replacing a Pan while the Motor is still in the car is not the easiest thing to do, but is much easier than removing the whole motor. Problem Solved. It worked for me. The attached photos show two of these Welsh Plugs and the Sludge that came out of another 34 Block that was removed from the car

03-16-2015, 09:56 AM	#6
Gary in La. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Louisiana Posts: 866	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) NOTE: A V8 - 60 does not have these plugs.

03-16-2015, 10:01 AM	#7
hotcoupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: imperial,mo Posts: 694	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 NOTE: A V8 - 60 does not have these plugs. mine did. tom

03-16-2015, 10:13 AM	#8
Gary in La. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Louisiana Posts: 866	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 OOPs Forgot about the big one in the middle of the rail.

03-16-2015, 07:48 PM	#10
Gary in La. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Louisiana Posts: 866	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 The rail is basically slang for the bottom outer edge of the block where the oil pan bolts on. About 1/2 way from front to rear is a location for the core plug. There is one on each side and these can rust out and leak coolant.

03-16-2015, 09:27 PM	#12
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,157	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 With acold engine---Fill the radiator to the top with water, crank the engine with the ignition off, if the level rises and then bubbles come take off the heads

03-17-2015, 01:32 AM	#14
Miles in MN Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 45	Re: Sources for coolant water to get in the oil V8-60 I'm no expert but I have a close friend who I would consider to be an expert on the 60-horse V8. The water pumps on a V8 60 are lubed with engine oil through a passage in the front cover. The pumps are pressed or screwed in place so the passages are not visible, but if the seals leak on the pumps the coolant uses those passages to travel into the crankcase. I wouldn't be surprised if rebuilt water pumps cured your problem; you may be getting coolant in your oil through the pumps via leaky seals.