grandpa ralph

I've driven about 50 miles since I noticed this. No freeway, just hardware store and dump.
I don't have the time or the money to fix right now.

1. Is it a bad idea to keep driving these short trips?
2. I am at 3000 miles, should I change oil and have it tested for water/coolant?

thanks for all the good info.

archer39

if the coolant is getting in the oil DON't drive it.

2stroke

just make sure there is no water in oil, and keep your coolant level good. dont see a problem as long as it doesnt get worse.

w250_93

Is that oil or coolant it looks like oil but i can't tell for sure. Either way pour some Bar's Stop leak in it that will keep oil and coolant from mixing (If it is mixing) for a little while, remember there is no mechanic in a can.

grandpa ralph

is there another way to check for water/coolant in oil besides sending the oil out for testing?

cootz

Dump your oil into a clear container. Oil and water don't mix, you'll see an interface. If you don't have a 13 L clear container, let the truck sit for an hour, then get the first 1-4 L that comes out of the oil pan into a clear container, this is where your water will be.

pulltilbroke

You could try to retorque the head

But if I were you I would get a new gasket and pop it in, Its not that bad of a job

The last on I did took me about 7 hours and I wasn't really working all that fast, I'd say if you bust your butt on it it could be done in 4-5 hours

If its your first time doin one it'll probly take longer

jogl

That's what I'd like to know. How could oil be coming out all over the place like that?

Whatever it is, are you sure that it is not leaking some place else and just running down the top of the block along the head?

Very interesting,
JP.

pulltilbroke

No thats coolant

Thats what a popped HG looks like

I seen that 3 time on my truck

jimbo486

if there's water in your oil, it'll turn the oil a white-ish color. that's how you'll know. but just know that oil and water can go both ways through your system. when the engine is running, the oil is under more pressure than the water. in turn, if you have a leaking head gasket, the oil can get into your coolant/water. pop your radiator cap and look for a shimmer of oil at the top since water and oil always separate. when your engine is off, the oil is under no pressure anymore, and therefore your water can then leak into your oil. i've drained a few pans on motors that have had leaks and it almost comes out like mayonnaise if left unattended long enough. you obviously need to change the gasket. change it, along with the oil and filter. do another oil change after a couple days to flush any residual water that may have been in your system. it'll probably be an expensive fix, but it's better than paying for new parts. cuz oil will lose its viscosity, cooling and lubricity properties when mixed with water. maybe think about a cooling system flush also just for good measure.

Richie O

You could try to run with your radiator cap in the 1/2 closed position. That allows there to be no pressure in the coolant system. It will leak less. You can run it that way as long as you are not getting coolant in the oil. ( like the last 10 guys have said )..

jimbo486

would the coolant then leak from the fill neck of the radiator? half closed just doesn't sound good.

Jet100

It won't leak...it won't build pressure is all. I've run old clunkers that way for thousands of miles because of leaky radiators. They don't leak as bad without pressure.

Richie O

All old school stuff had no pressure cooling systems.

2stroke

yes..,. u Will be able to tell with your eyes if there is coolant in the oil. it will be milky.