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Topic: Water in crankcase (Read 487 times) previous topic - next topic

Water in crankcase

As a prospective buyer looking at used coaches, how would I know, short of having an oil analysis done, if there was water in the oil pan? Even if an oil analysis is done, there seems to be no guarantee that the sample would be taken from the bottom of the oil pan.

On this forum as well as others, I read about owners exercising their coaches by merely idling them for a while, a process that leaves water in the oil pan from what I read.

Just how damaging is this practice?
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Water in crankcase

Reply #1 –
Royce, If water in oil the oil will appear milky after running engine up to temp. Only other way I know would be to take an oil sample from warm engine and send to Blackstone or similar lab.  You could also drain oil and let it set in a clear container to see if water settles to bottom of container, not very practical. Another thing to look for is milky substance in rocker cover, would indicate moisture in cover, could be from engine running cold or water leak, take oil fill cap off and shine light into cover. If real bad head gasket or block cracked or oil cooler damage you could see bubbles in radiator and possibly oil.  If engine is in this bad a shape you will be able to tell just listening to it.
Gary B
 

Re: Water in crankcase

Reply #2 –
Big difference between moisture in the crankcase and water. Idling the engine instead of driving it will see a condensation buildup and can create acids that attack the internal parts. It usually can be seen as moisture or a little foam on the top of the dipstick when you pull it out or on the oil filler when you remove the cap and look in. Modern oils have additives to counteract the contaminants but only can do so much. Extended idling can also do a lot of other engine damage and wear if the operator makes it normal procedure.  On the other hand, water in the crankcase can be seen as a dirty milky color instead of the normal black oil color on the dipstick and indicates a serious engine problem like a leaking head gasket, leaking wet liner, injector holders, etc. A local radiator shop can check for products of combustion in the cooling system, a sure sign of a leaking head gasket.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
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