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Water in oil, how to proceed

Tiny
PIPEWRENCH DALE
  • MEMBER
  • CHEVROLET SILVERADO
I have a 1991 Chevy Silverado with a 4.3l Vortec V6. Approx 12427 miles.

Today I found out that the engine has been leaking water into the engineoil for some time. Dont know exactly how long but for at least 6 months. During this 6 months I would guess that about 0.22 gallons of water has leaked into the engine. I have changed the oil once during these months and have used the car pretty much daily.
Im about to fix the leak, but Im wondering about what damage the engine might have sustained? The bearings for instance. Any suggestions or experience how to proceed?
The engine runs fine with no noise except a sound from the distributor.
My oilgauge sometimes get stuck in max or vobbles a bit. Probably due to the water.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 AT 5:13 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be just condensation being caused by stop and go short trips not enough time to vaporize it- The way I see it all you need is an engine flush/Pennz oil and a Fram filter and keep on trucking.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
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Let the engine set overnight and slowly back the drain plug out, if you want to see how much coolant is in it, as the coolant will settle to the bottom. When it turns to oil, just let it out.

IF it doesn't matter and you know where the breach is, then drain the oil and pull the filter, I would let it drain all night. Then go after the breech.

It is a crapshoot as to any bearing damage or not. It may never surface or it may surface at any time. After the repair is made, throw on a new filter and new oil and change it after 200-400 miles again.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
PIPEWRENCH DALE
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Thanks for the answer. Ill guess that is what I need to do.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
PIPEWRENCH DALE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is it possible to remove the oil pan while the engine is still in the car? Have anyone tried this on this make and model?
In most of my vintage cars this is usually possible.

If so I could clean the oil pan and even inspect some of the bearings.
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 AT 1:23 AM
Tiny
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https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_oilpan_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_mitchell_1.jpg

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Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 AT 4:20 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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This is what I've been trying to do since we got the software, but couldn't do it. Keep checking your inbox
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 AT 4:48 AM

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