Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[WGoins88]

Ok, this has been bothering me ever since I started working on my Catera...

.......I found water in the oil. Not coolant, but water. It was about 16oz of water that may have been circulated in the engine.... there was even some in the oil filter. The car has only sat 8 months, and I am assuming that the water has only been in there for about 2.

What are my chances of the engine being destroyed? I know coolant does horrendous things to bearings, but surface rust from water generally isn't a problem, correct? I've heard of engines being problem free after sitting for years with a little bit of water in them, as well as boat engines being subjected to it all the time.

I guess what I am asking, is should I take the $350-400 chance to get it running, or should I give in?

[Sixstring]

Firstly....I would do a quick oil change, then keep your eye on the oil and water. don't rule condensation build-up out either, and 16oz doesn't seem a lot to worry about, either.
BUT.....
If you find water in the oil again, check oil cooler  and do ahead gasket check to be on the safe side. Lots of oilways and waterways close together........

[WGoins88]

Oil cooler failed before I bought it. It had zero coolant in oil/oil in coolant when I bought it, mainly because the cooler failed when the guy I got it from pressure tested it with 50psi of air, and one of the plates on the cooler split open. This was done outside of the car, and didn't affect the engine whatsoever. The water had to have entered the engine via the crankcase vent nipple on the back of the head.

My Dad personally told me not to worry about it. The oil will always overpower the water, and the water most likely only sat on top of the oil and didn't affect anything. The oil filter didn't have any rust in it either.

[Kevin Wood]

My Dad personally told me not to worry about it. The oil will always overpower the water, and the water most likely only sat on top of the oil and didn't affect anything. The oil filter didn't have any rust in it either.

It'll be the other way around. Oil sits on top of water.

I would agree with earlier posts. Drain the sump, refill with fresh oil and monitor the situation for coolant loss and oil contamination.

Kevin

[feeutfo]

i,ve seen engines left out in the pooring rain with heads off mid rebuild, much to my horror, and there seems to have been no ill effect. Crank cases i would think would fair better. Change the oil and go for it, whats to loose?

[WGoins88]

I'm hoping it's fine, I'm assuming it is mainly because I've seen boat engines with water circulated in the oil for a whole season with no problem.

I'm only worrying because rebuilt Catera engines in the US are well over $4500 USD (2885 pounds for you guys).

[feeutfo]

I'm hoping it's fine, I'm assuming it is mainly because I've seen boat engines with water circulated in the oil for a whole season with no problem.

I'm only worrying because rebuilt Catera engines in the US are well over $4500 USD (2885 pounds for you guys).

bugger that, would get one from a breakers/second hand over here, but then i guess the omega is more freely available in the uk? But i reckon it'll be fine personally.