1985 AQ125B Oil and Cam Lobe questions

[stayathomedad]

Hey everyone,
I decided to go ahead and open up this motor a bit simply to clean up the block and heads and repaint it. Just wanted to make it look nice
Well, after taking the oil pan off I found this! What does it mean to have this color in the bottom of your oil pan?
Further, after taking off the valve cover I found rust on my cam lobes. Is this a problem?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the rust not really as that will take care of itself when you run it, however you need to find out where the water is coming from. there is way too much moisture in the oil.

 

[stayathomedad]

I'm thinking I'll run the normal motor oil with a zinc additive just to protect the lobes a bit more.
I've gone ahead and ordered a new head gasket. I'll be taking the head off tomorrow, will inspect the old gasket and check for any cracks in the water jackets.
I'm really hoping its just a blown head gasket.
Thanks

 

[bruceb58]

What makes you think its the head gasket? Before you just tear the engine apart, why not do some diagnosis first? I would be pressure testing the coolant system first. You have closed cooling on this motor? That makes it easy if you do.

 

[Scott Danforth]

agreed, doubt its the head gasket.

you need to diagnose the problem, not just throw money at it and hope.

do a compression test and drain the cooling water side and do a pressure test.

then inspect the exhaust elbow

 

[stayathomedad]

I had a compression test done, which checked out ok. It is a closed cooling system. The water is drained but I haven't done a pressure test for the water side. I haven't done a pressure test for the cooling system before. Are there special tools involved?
And you guys are thinking it is not the head gasket?

 

[Bondo]

I haven't done a pressure test for the cooling system before. Are there special tools involved?
And you guys are thinking it is not the head gasket?

Ayuh,..... A cracked block is more likely, especially if somebody didn't wanta buy antifreeze, 'n just used water,......

Most auto parts stores that rent/ loan tools will have a coolin' system pressure tester,.....

 

[stayathomedad]

That's not great news. I noticed when I purchased this motor that it had water instead of antifreeze in it.
If the pressure test comes out as showing a crack in the block I know the motor is pretty much done for.

If one were to change the oil more often and make sure to top off the coolant is there a chance I can keep running this motor for awhile?

 

[stayathomedad]

Ugh, on top of the water leak I found scoring on the 2nd and 3rd cylinder walls. Looks like its time for a new motor.