RE: Test for Coolant Leak into Crankcase?

[Jim Grammer <jimg@domain.elided>]

Jeffrey -

The common tests are:
1. Run the engine and check the radiator for bubbles, the combustion 
chambers produce more pressure than you could possibly introduce into the 
system. This checks for a breached head gasket, far and away the most 
common cause of coolant/oil migration.

2. Drain the oil. Coolant is real obvious in your oil, especially if 
there's a leak of any significance. If there's a little water and it's 
clear, that could be condensation. If you're running e-glycol 
anti-freeze(you must be using something up there) and it's in the pan 
you'll know in a heartbeat. Oil isn't bright green ;).

If there's no combustion gases in the coolant(let's assume the head 
gasket's OK), and there's coolant in the oil, that implies  seepage through 
a block crack(tractors, yes...trucks I think very uncommon), a leaky 
cylinder liner(not applicable to your engine or the IH small V8's)in wet 
sleeve engines, or some other bizarre failure.

Condensation inside motors is probably more prevalent than most of us 
realize, esp. on trucks without closed PCV systems. Think about it on the 
next high humidity day while it's warming up. See that condensation on the 
external metal surfaces in the engine compartment? That's exactly what's 
happening on the inside of the valve cover and other parts.

Jim
-----Original Message-----
From:	Jeffrey.Deaver@domain.elided
Sent:	Tuesday, January 13, 1998 12:07 PM
To:	ihc-digest (a) digest.net
Subject:	Test for Coolant Leak into Crankcase?

Hi All,

I know I am getting some moisture in my crankcase due to the obvious creamy
white substance I find on the rockers, oil cap, and end of the dip stick. 
  A
while back someone told be this was probably due to my BD240 having a draft
tube and having to take in fresh air all the time.   But just the other day
someone suggested that it might be antifreeze leaking into the
compartment.

Wouldn't that mean that the engine is cracked somewhere between the coolant
channels and oil channels?

I was thinking I could test for leaks like that while changing my oil by
pressurizing the coolant (at the radiator, with the themostat out) and
watching for any coolant that might run out of the oil drain hole.  Does 
this
sound plausable?  Any suggestions?

-Jeffrey :-)
'58 A-102  Grandpa's Farm Truck (Got the cattle gates too!)