Water in engine oil

[Johnny]

I found the classic oil - water emulsion (mayo !) when I drained the sump on my '81 LHD GTL.

Does anyone know of a process of elimination or other tests that will tell me where the leakage is. Is it getting through the head gasket or the wet liner seals (or elsewhere !)?

Thank you

 

[Paul Narramore]

Simple. You take your car along to Mr Reno (when he comes back from holiday) in Worthing, West Sussex and leave him your credit card. It will be solved when you return.

 

[malcolm]

The only time I have had a failed liner seal I removed the head, took it off for a skim and crack test, then when I got it back noticed there was no coolant around the cylinders any more.

You can also check by pressurising the cooling system using a tyre valve in a length of hose where the coolant bottle atyaches to the radiator. Wait until as much water has been pumped out as can be, then remove the top hose and poke a stick in to check the water level.

 

[mr-reno-139]

Step 1
Serious gasket failure likely to cause bubbling in bottle and steam out of exhaust
Step 2 minor gasket failure will pressurise system making a hiss from bottle when lid removed after engine run for a short period
Confirmation easiest friendly test station who can hold exhaust probe over bottle opening and sniff the hydrocarbons which will confirm diagnosis as should be same reading as the air in workshop
Step 3 assuming you are happy with gasket test
Worth buying holts wonder weld used successfully on several cars myself to cure liner seals leaking without stripping engine

 

[Johnny]

Thanks for comments Gents.

mr reno: I got some holts wonder weld and the precautions says:" not suitable for use on vehicles with piston liners." Did you ever see any bad effects? what is the worst that could happen if I try it?

 

[mr-reno-139]

I can only write about my personal experience over 40 yrs on renaults
My most recent success was on a F6van local to me about 3 yrs ago it was purchased as head gasket failure or needing engine
This had been poorly repaired few months earlier by a garage who only did gasket which failed again shortly afterwards as head not skimmed
I discussed options with customer and we went for head skimmed and new gasket try again all was good except the new oil went creamy shortly after and van needed for trip to Cornwall following weekend
After flushing cooling system I refilled with wonder weld ran engine till hot and held revs high enough for fan to come on and several times then added 1/4 litre diesel fuel to engine oil ran on tick over 10 minutes
Then changed oil and filter not forgetting sump washer making sure correct oil filter non metric pre 84 /5 cars
This particular van has covered several thousand miles since oil stays fine and lost no water more than usual slight top ups
I didn't see those instructions but maybe I ignored them ☺
The only other alternative is strip engine at a lot of time and expense
If you are happy that head gasket is not at fault I would remain confident of a permanent cure
K seal seems to be more popular these days but I haven't tried it as not available when I started in 1976
Currently on holiday abroad using hotel wifi but happy to discuss further contact details on my profile page or start a conversation ☺