Next to No Maintenance

[alldodge]

Bought a forklift from a friend which had it for years and bought it new. Other then a bit dusty, it looks great. The CAT P5000 has 1057 hours and is qt least 12 years old (did not look up). It did have a WIX oil filter on it so oil has been changed at least once.

The oil level is milky and about a quart over filled. Guessing is its been years since last change and condensation built up over time to cause the issue. Will run a few hours and change again

 

[Scott Danforth]

That looks like more water than condensation

 

[alldodge]

The rad is full

 

[WIMUSKY]

That looks like more water than condensation

I agree. Head gasket? Cracked head? Could of been refilling the rad.....

 

[dwco5051]

I agree. Head gasket? Cracked head? Could of been refilling the rad.....

Compression test and leak down test in order. Aluminum cylinder head so I would suspect a possible head gasket problem.

 

[64osby]

I have a snowblower, if it is sitting out uncovered and it rains that is what the oil looks like.

Don't know how the design engineers came up with a design that lets water into an outdoor power equipment motor.

Hoping for the best on yours.

 

[aspeck]

I hope you are correct about the condensation, but it doesn’t look good …

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have a snowblower, if it is sitting out uncovered and it rains that is what the oil looks like.

Don't know how the design engineers came up with a design that lets water into an outdoor power equipment motor.

Hoping for the best on yours.

snow blowers are not intended to be in the rain. all that covers the carb is a heat box.

 

[alldodge]

Time will tell, guys on the HEF thinks its also condensation. The FL is between 15 and 20 years old, maybe more. The Rad is full and so is the bottle. I'll run it some and keep watch

 

[Scott Danforth]

get one of the litmus kits that test coolant for exhaust gases or something like this https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/combustion-leak-detector that will tell you right away.

 

[Lou C]

I have a generator that is stored under a back porch, it is in the weather here in Long Island but not rained on and when I change the oil it looks like almost new! I would look for ways that water is getting into the air cleaner if I had to leave it outside. Oil actually came out cleaner than this looks because that cut in half plastic bottle has been used this way for years.

 

[alldodge]

Yes, I have a Gen, Terramite, pressure washer etc and oil looks fine. The FL use to be used to unload a semi with seed a few times a month. Guy retires and and now fires it up for a few minutes then shuts it off. Also this is a propane machine and we all know what a vent free propane fireplace does to windows in a home.

Let's put it this way, I see no reason to check or test anything right now. There is no signs anything is wrong other then the oil. Runs great, idles smooth and no smoke,

 

[jhande]

I've never seen oil that looks like condensed milk caused by just condensation. I'm thinking if it took 12 years of condensation to get to that point there would be serious internal engine damage, if not now real soon.

 

[Lou C]

If possible maybe remove a valve cover & see if the rocker arms are rusting. That’s a sure sign of water intrusion

 

[KJM]

Well if it runs fine and don't seem to have any problems i'd use it a while and then check the oil for water. If the oil stays clean then I wouldn't go looking for problems.