oil in cooling system

[elkman]

tonight i got my 1971 volvo AQ170 started finally and ran it for awhile with the muffs on and then proceeded to drain the water from the cooling system and when i opened the one that is the lowest one in the back there was some oil in the water. I know enough to know this is a problem just not sure how big of a problem. cracked block? let me know your thoughts and how i can check this furthur to figure out problem and how serious. thanks for replies.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: oil in cooling system

Ya might check it one more time to be sure, but if it comes out with oil again, it would be a tough SOB to figure out where....

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in cooling system

Do you have P/Steering,..??.......

If So,..... Your P/S Cooler is Cracked,+ Leaking........

 

[elkman]

Re: oil in cooling system

does this mean my engine is junk?

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: oil in cooling system

If you have a power steering cooler, as bond-o says, than your water is pulling fluid from the cooler while circulating.
If that is the case, no your engine is not junk. You PS cooler is shot and you need a new one. They are cheap.

 

[DJ]

Re: oil in cooling system

Yep, probably Power Steering, if you have it. Otherwise-head gasket.

Engine junk?, Not necessarily. A head gasket is not that bad of a job.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: oil in cooling system

I thought the power steering cooler was always cooled with raw water.

 

[elkman]

Re: oil in cooling system

I dont beleive it has power steering,(i just aquired this boat) i will check it tonight. also i will run it some more and see if the oil level in the crankcase is going down at the same time it is showing up in the cooling system. if it continues i quess i will check compression on engine before i bother replacing head gasket. It does seem to run quite well. any other thoughts?

 

[elkman]

Re: oil in cooling system

i checked this weekend and i dont have power steering. I also pulled the dip stick and noticed some water in oil on the dipstick. Do you think this is blown head gasket as DWJ mentioned or cracked block. I can afford a new head gasket not sure about cost of replacing the block. Is there any method of checking to make sure before i spend lots of money. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in cooling system

Drain the cooling system,......

Then Plug it Up,+ Pressure Test It..........

Finding the Leak, will tell you IF you want to Fix it.......

 

[elkman]

Re: oil in cooling system

i called the local boat dealer and asked about getting a pressure check and they said they dont do pressure check and said to bring boat in and they would do a visual and try to determine my problem. Is it possible to do a pressure check myself with an air compressor and if so how do i go about it . thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: oil in cooling system

Due to My lack of familiarity with the Volvos, I can't get very specific,........
But,......
Basically, you need to Isolate the Cooling System around the Block with Block-off Plates or Whatever,...Along with a way to Feed Air into it,+ a Gauge to monitor the Pressure,....
Then Pressurize it to about 15/20psi,+ Listen,......
If it's Leaking,.. You'll Hear it......
If it's a Very Slow leak, the Gauge will Tell you.....It Should hold 15psi Indefinitely.....

Oh Ya,..... Drain Everything 1st......

 

[Don S]

Re: oil in cooling system

The AQ170 also has a raw water cooled Oil Cooler that has probably been damaged. Freeze crack or corrosion holes on the tubes would allow oil into the cooling system.
The cooler is that round thing just under the oil filter. Remove it and pressure check it.