BBC gurus, oil in the radiator...

[Ron in SoCal]

Had this exact problem before. Another quick test - check intake bolts torque spec.

That does seem like a lot of oil, Ketz. Not good IMO...

[intocarss]

They may have not got all the honing oil out of the block

[Ketzer]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

It's easy for a machinist to get oil in the water jackets during machining and assembly. I agree with the pressure test on the cooling system and a full system flush if no problem is found.

Originally Posted by intocarss

They may have not got all the honing oil out of the block

I'm hoping it's something silly like this, oil leftover from assembly or machining. Especially since the pan level doesn't seem to be changing/dropping relative to whats in the coolant... But as Ron says "seems like a lot".

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

Had this exact problem before. Another quick test - check intake bolts torque spec.

That does seem like a lot of oil, Ketz. Not good IMO...

Intake gaskets would be an easy fix (first thing I hoped for) but I can't get my mind around a scenario where there is oil under pressure near a coolant passage at the intake. More likely at the head gasket where everyone says they do crazy stuff when they fail.
Seems like a lot of oil to me also but I have no point of reference, is it a pint, is it a quart, is it combining with the antifreeze and looking like a lot?...



I appreciate everyone's input! I am pacing like a cat until tomorrow when I can put these great tips to the test. Normally I don't feel trapped at work but today...


Jeff-


Jeff-

[GregWeld]

My guess is you'll find nothing wrong...


If you think about it - the cooling system is under pressure... and would/should push WATER into the oil - if oil is coming into it (the radiator).... as soon as you'd shut the engine off - the pressure of the radiator would push water into the motor. If you dip the stick and don't have a milkshake.. then my guess is it's just residual oil. Maybe somebody told the owner that the water pump lasts longer when you add a half a quart of oil to the water. Who knows. (I'm being silly).


You don't have lots of white smoke (it would be noticeable) showing evidence of water in the combustion process.... You don't have water in the oil or on the dip stick. The motor runs well.... If the cap is off the radiator and you don't have bubbles puking coolant out of it... If you do a coolant pressure check and it holds..... Then I say -- fire it off and go light up the tires!

[Ketzer]

Ding ding ding! GW is the winner!

After much testing and fiddling today, (leakdown, radiator pressure, bolt torque, pcv, yadda yadda) I found absolutely nothing. I completely flushed and degreased the cooling system and flushed again. Got 99% of it out and did a fresh refill. Drove around for a half hour in the neighborhood and checked everything. It now looks normal.
I have no idea about the oil, how, why, who knows? I have been given great advice and tips (and hand holding) and I am grateful!
Thanks everybody!


Jeff-

[GregWeld]

Good to hear!


Glad you dodged a bullet! Looks like a nice little car!

[Ron in SoCal]

So glad Jeff! Now go out and enjoy that car