Small Block Forum - Coolant in Oil

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Coolant in Oil

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Powertrain Specific Forum
Forum Name: Small Block Forum
Forum Description: 221, 255, 260, 302 and 351W engines
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=20669
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 7:25AM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Coolant in Oil

Posted By: AuHunter78
Subject: Coolant in Oil
Date Posted: 03-April-2023 at 4:56AM

I have a 65 Ford F100 with a 72 Gran Torino 302, and I am kind of lost at figuring out how coolant is getting into my oil. The color of the mix on the dipstick, pcv and breather cap is white. The temp stays cool with no over heating at all. I replaced both heads, gaskets (fel-pro set), mahle bolt set (to torque spec), water pump and thermostat. I did a pressure test and the results are good. I also used an inspection camera through the spark plug holes after I drove it for awhile, but no coolant is visible on piston heads or in the cylinders. So I believe it probably isn't a blown head gasket. Can a bad, cracked or warped intake be the culprit? Or should I dive deep into the water pump area/timing cover etc? There is no oil cooler as far as I can see, so I am ruling that out.

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AUHUNTER78

Replies:

Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 03-April-2023 at 2:48PM

check the spark plugs for a super clean (steam cleaned) plug, it's a dead give-away that coolant is getting into that cylinder. the front timing cover and the coolant crossover passage of the intake manifold can also be sources of coolant intrusion into the crank case. or a cracked casting? cast iron is tough but the unfortunate reality is that cylinder heads crack sometimes, between valve seats and also in the valve spring seat area under the valve covers. did you retorque the head gaskets after some heat cycles? any chance a front cover bolt hole in the block had some old sealer down in the hole and blew out the casting when you put it back together?

you found the milkshake in the engine, then replaced the heads and it's still making a milkshake?

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72 GT Ute

Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 04-April-2023 at 11:52AM

How long does it hold pressure when you pressure test the coolant system?

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Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin

Posted By: AuHunter78
Date Posted: 04-April-2023 at 12:15PM

Thank you for the replies. First off, the plugs have a bit of carbon on them. The heads are both brand new, purchased 2 months ago. I used fel-pro gaskets all around, mahle bolt sets and torqued to spec.

I tested the rad pressure this morning. It holds pressure and does not loose any.

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AUHUNTER78

Posted By: AuHunter78
Date Posted: 04-April-2023 at 12:19PM

On another note. When checking the dip stick I see that it is a white substance mixed with oil (not brown), I clean it and re check the oil, the dip stick has clean oil on it. No evidence of water contamination. But after I go out driving and re check, the white is back again. The oil level on the dip stick is at safe level. My oil pressure is always at normal (60) on the gauge.

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AUHUNTER78