Author Topic: Found Coolant in Oil!!!!!! (Read 5917 times)

longms · « **on:** August 14, 2009, 12:51:48 AM »

Recently went to check the oil and found coolant in there. What are some key spots that usually might be the first places to fail on the M42 that might cause this to happen? Do you guys have any suggestions on which places I should look first so I don't go too deep and realize I didn't need to go so far?

Look forward to the input. Thanks fellas.

xwill112x · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2009, 01:09:22 AM »

head gasket.

longms · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2009, 01:42:39 AM »

Well that sucks. I just got that back together.

do you think upon installing the water pump the o-ring could have gotten shredded if not installed correctly?

Alpinist · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2009, 03:18:51 AM »

How often did you change coolant?

rob_e30 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2009, 08:37:54 AM »

Profile gasket. Either way, it's the same job.

longms · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:06:57 AM »

well the engine had been rebuilt about a year ago and hasn't really been run that much yet...Is this the infamous gasket that BMW never recalled???

3bvert · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:56:16 AM »

I wa told that the new headsets have the corrected gasket
just did mine this past decemeber with a victor rentz kit

longms · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2009, 02:40:28 AM »

we had to re-tap some bolt holes on the head. maybe the integrity of the metal has let go.

That really sucks!!!!

1991 E30 M42 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2009, 11:52:09 AM »

If it was built by any legit company and it its under a year old, wouldn't it have a warranty

longms · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2009, 01:01:38 AM »

yeah....my father and i made it a project and rebuilt it together, so no.

longms · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2009, 04:17:53 PM »

UPDATE::::

I can see no indication of coolant mixing with the oil but the coolant level has visibly gone down in the tank on the side of the radiator in the past few days. There is no indication of a leak anywhere. Had the car parked in the garage over night and there were no drips of any kind. Could this be a leak that only shows its ugly face when the car is running?

Where could the coolant have gone?

Wizard · « **Reply #11 on:** December 23, 2009, 05:00:29 PM »

A blown head gasket will not necessarily mean water will get into the oil..It could be blown between the water jacket and a cylinder. As the engine runs, it sucks water (antifreeze) into the cylinder..It can also blow compressed exhaust gases back through the cooling system..
See if you notice any white smoke when the car is running.
Sometimes you can remove the radiator cap (only when COLD) and see if you notice any large bubbles in the antifreeze when you rev the engine...Might have to fill the reservoir tank up near the top.

dwtaylorpdx · « **Reply #12 on:** December 23, 2009, 05:02:14 PM »

there is also a dye you can put in the radiator that will show if there is CO in the coolant...

Dave

longms · « **Reply #13 on:** December 23, 2009, 09:21:42 PM »

I will try these things and let you know what I find...thanks guys

Sean_318is · « **Reply #14 on:** December 24, 2009, 06:20:03 AM »

I think I'm having a similar problem. White gunge on the oil cap and the dipstick, and white smoke from the exhaust. Car runs pretty much ok though.