Water in my oil?

[caphilli]

I noticed there was a bit of oil in my bilge area after a day on the lake last weekend. I know the bilge area was pretty dirty, so it may be that. But I went and checked the oil today and I'm not sure where I stand. The dip stick looked good -- I think. The inside of the oil fill area looked a little grey. I attached pictures. I know there is a small crack in the water jacket, but my mechanic said that's all it is, and it's tiny - he wasn't worried about it. The guy I bought the boat from stored it outside with no cover. And the gas tank had quite a bit of water it in too. Could water have gotten into the top of the engine from rain? And at the end of the day, what should I do to clean it out? And do I need to clean it up asap?

 

[Howard A]

I'm a newbie here and no expert on outboards, but from my experience working with engines/motors in general, if the dipstick oil looks good, you've got no water infiltration in your motor.

 

[QBhoy]

I’m not certain but that doesn’t look like an outboard. Maybe a mercruiser?
hard to tell, but I can’t see any sign of water in that oil.
If there is a crack in the water jacket....the mechanic who tells you “it’s only a small one” and perhaps advises it’s ok and to carry on...needs to lose his job

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

+1^^^...no oil...would you trust a doctor who says "That tumor is cancerous, but don't worry it's only a small tumor."

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, you have a mercruiser issue and your posting in the outboard forum. I flagged it for a mod to move

second, even if you filled the motor with purple water, your dipstick will only show the oil that is in the tube since it doesnt mix

only way to check, drain the oil

a minor amount of condensation is normal, however that will burn off with a good run

if you change oil and it looks like chocolate shake, then you have a water in oil issue
common causes are failed oil cooler, failed exhaust manifolds, failed intake manifold/gasket, cracked block, or a cracked head

each problem requires a different path of investigation.