Clear water in oil pan

teamster98

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Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
6
I went to change the oil in my 1990 4.3 Mercruiser and when I pulled the plug basically clear water came out (allmost a gallon).After the water the oil came out black without water.Oil and water didn't mix,not milky.Where would the water come from to come out like that(unmixed)?
For the winter I just pulled all the hoses to get the water out because they needed to be replaced.Also pulled the thermostat housing.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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Re: Clear water in oil pan

For the winter I just pulled all the hoses to get the water out because they needed to be replaced.Also pulled the thermostat housing.

Ayuh,.... Which left the block Full of Water,...
The Water Froze, Splitting the block, so when the Ice melted, it ran though the crack into the base...

Sorry, but you need a New Motor....
 

teamster98

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Jul 22, 2009
Messages
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Re: Clear water in oil pan

No need for new engine,somehow water got in through carb.Had to tear it down to find that out but better than replacing engine.
 

HotKetchup

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Mar 3, 2010
Messages
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Re: Clear water in oil pan

That much water doesnt get in the oilpan through the carb. At least no way I can imagine. Never heard of it either. Bondo may be right. Did you pull the drain plugs on the side of the block when you pulled the hoses? If not the block wouldve been left pretty much full and susceptible to freeze and crack yuour block. Depending on where the internal crack is, The engine may operate normally for a short while until the water and oil mix. Then itll sieze up and ruin your day....hope im wrong though.
 

John_S

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Jun 21, 2004
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4,269
Re: Clear water in oil pan

No need for new engine,somehow water got in through carb.Had to tear it down to find that out but better than replacing engine.

Seems very unlikely with an engine cover and flame arrester cover or were they left off? I assume you found water sitting on top of the pistons and rusted intake ports or valves? Are you sure the exhaust manifolds are not cracked and leaked back in via exhaust ports?

For the water not to mix, I assume the engine was not run to bring-up to operating temp, before oil draining. If you did run it, says the water leaked in after it was shut off.
 

teamster98

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Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
6
Re: Clear water in oil pan

yes,pulled side plugs.As stated before,complete engine teardown,found path of water starting from carb.Nothing cracked,nothing broken.
 
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