Water in engine oil

[Matt Ghannam]

I have a 97 volvo pente 4.3 stern drive. After initial run at the start of the season I discovered the dreaded milky motor oil. I have done lots of homework and I understand this is an indication of winter freeze damage. Cracked manifold, cracked block. etc. I am totally surprised this problem has occured and I cant figure out how this could have happened. I do a through winterizing but maybe someone can tell me what I missed. I live in New England and have been winterizing my boats with not a single freeze issue in 20 years. Here is my procedure: First I fog the motor and change the oil and filter. Then I drain water from the jackets, intake manifold and risers. Then I pull off the sea water pump hoses to drain. Then I pull off the main hose that goes to the circulator pump and fill the engine with antifreeze until it pours out of the thermostat housing. Put all hoses back on and shrink wrap for the winter. The only thing different this year is that I left the boat in storage over last summer so it stayed winterized for two winters.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Water in engine oil

What is your oil level at? A cracked block would raise your oil level significantly. On the other hand, just a little bit of water could make your oil look milky without raising the level. If water somehow entered the engine through the carburator or bad exhaust manifold/risers, you could be experiencing milky oil. Also, if water in the bilge ever rose enough to get to the main oil seal level, you can get a small amount of water into your engine that way too.

 

[boaterinsd]

Re: Water in engine oil

Welcome to iBoats, this is the best place I know of to get things figured out. I hope your situation turns out for the best. I am also having a bit of the same trouble, i am thinking mines the engine oil cooler. Good luck to you.
PS: NE the state or New England??

 

[Matt Ghannam]

Re: Water in engine oil

Oil level seemed normal but milky at start of season. However after running out on the lake for a day the level rose a couple of quarts.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Water in engine oil

Time to do a pressure test. If you are lucky, its just the intake manifold since you did drain the block.

 

[Matt Ghannam]

Re: Water in engine oil

I did a pressure test today, brought it up to 20psi. Pressure stayed up but I can hear a very slight leaking noise. Pressure went down only 5psi after about 30 min. Desided to pull intake to examine. I carfully cleaned and examaned vally areas and manifold. I can't find the slightest sign of any cracks or damage. I guess all thats left is head gasket or assume the block is cracked somewhere hidden. Any additional suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Matt Ghannam]

Re: Water in engine oil

I pulled heads and found water in one cylinder. Head gasket seemed to fall off easy around this cylinder but no other indication of any issue. I guess ill just put everything back together and hope for the best.