Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

I have a 1997 Volvo Penta 3.0 l engine. The engine was ran hot when a belt broke while at full throttle. I checked the compression and it was good on all four cylinders (150 - 160 psi). I was getting milky oil in the crankcase, so I figured I had cracked the head. I pulled the head and sure enough, it was cracked. The head was repaired and pressure tested, then I re-installed the head.

After changing the oil and filter and installing the head, I ran the engine for about 15 minutes. The engine ran great, but then I pulled the dipstick and saw milky oil again. I changed the oil and filter again and ran the engine for about 5 minutes and the oil was starting to get milky again.

I pulled the boat back in the garage and returned to it a few days later. I turned the engine over a few times and pulled the spark plugs - there were water droplets on three of the four plugs.

I suspect a cracked block, but I want to know if there is anything else that it could be before I pull the engine. Could it be the manifold? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

Howdy,


Before you replace anything you should pressure check the block. You'll see once and for all where it is leaking then......

It's also possible that you didn't get all the water out of the pan too.....

The block and head should easily hold 15 psi or so.....



Regards,


Rick

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

Thanks for the help!

I performed a pressure test today. I pressurized the block and head up to 20 psi and it held steady at 20 psi for 45 min's. I cranked the pressure up to 30 psi and it has been holding steady at that for about 10 min's.

Is there any way to test the manifold? I did notice that no water drained out of the manifold when I opened the drain plug - not sure if that means anything.

It may be possible that I did not get all of the water out of the pan since I can not drain the pan.

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

sounds like you have a manifold leak. ( crack) Heat will do that. Not getting all the water out of the oil will not cause the things you are describing now

old trick is to get manifold lose and just have 2 bolts tight. start engine and run till warm. shut off and quickly loosen bolts and slide manifold away from block about 1/2 inch and watch for water.

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

Thanks for all of the help!

When I pulled the manifold away from the head, a little water dribbled down on the rear end of the block. I looked in the manifold ports and some looked very wet. Sounds like it is most likely the manifold - right?

Any other pointers - this has been a lot of help!

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

Andy Fogle said:

Thanks for all of the help!

When I pulled the manifold away from the head, a little water dribbled down on the rear end of the block. I looked in the manifold ports and some looked very wet. Sounds like it is most likely the manifold - right?

Any other pointers - this has been a lot of help!

Click to expand...

Glad you found the problem! Time for a new manifold. I would carefully check the riser too...

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

Thanks! - What do I look for in the riser if it is cracked?

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

I would replace both.

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

Andy Fogle said:

Thanks! - What do I look for in the riser if it is cracked?

Click to expand...

Usually rust streaks will appear

Re: Water getting in Crankcase, Volvo Penta 3.0

bruceb58 said:

I would replace both.

Click to expand...

Yeah. I agree....... either one leaking is a prescription for a destroyed engine.....