Oil in radiator

[brialin]

I just aquired a D6C 74A dozer. There is oil in the radiator and the previous owner said there was also some water in the oil. He took off the oil cooler and tried to pressure test it. He said it did not leak but it was not heated up when he pressurized it. I am not sure how he pressurized it, it may have been with rags in the end and blow air into it. The engine runs fine with no smoking or skipping. I know the cooler will put oil into the cooling system but can the water get into the oil? Should I just buy another cooler and try it or could there be something else wrong?

Thanks
Brian

[SJ]

It sounds very much like an oil cooler problem so maybe if you have a good radiator shop near by to have them test it, I,d try that first.The coolant could leak in the oil when it setting so should be no mystery there.

[brialin]

I have been messing around with the oil cooler. I put it in 140 degree water and have a few bubbles every 2-3 seconds. The water is now at 116 and the bubbles have almost stopped. I have 80 lbs air pressure going into the oil side of the cooler. I am assuming this may get worse at higher temperatures and am looking into an aftermarket oil cooler. Does anyone know where to buy used cat parts?

Brian

[SJ]

You could give Cleveland Bros. a call as this # is a Cat used parts store. (814) 342-4210

[catsilver]

If you ahve reached 80PSI and 116deg and the 'leak' has stopped, I don't reckon there is much wrong with the oil cooler, there first thing I would check is for a water pump seal leak, is the tell-tale hole blocked?

[Old Magnet]

This is the old style belt drive water pump....not likely your getting cross contamination there.

[OzDozer]

It sounds like a distinct possibility that there's a head gasket leak. Has the engine been hot recently? .. or has the head been off in recent times? There's always the possibility of a leaking seal or damaged ferrule between the head and block.

[brialin]

The machine supposedly was never overheated but I cannot guarantee it. Looks like I will have to pull the head and look at the gasket.

[catsilver]

No points for that, yes it's a D333B, a 40+ year old engine with many places to leak, I would be looking at the head gasket as well.

[Old Magnet]

The D333's and D330's are notorious for overheating and cracking heads and leaking.

[brialin]

Will I be able to see what is wrong with the head or gasket or will I have to have the head magnafluxed? I have a 2 day job to do for a friend. Will I do any harm to the engine if I run it or should I park it until I can fix it?

[Old Magnet]

That's kind of a loaded question:) :)
Depends on how bad it is. Usually you can spot cracking or symptoms of leakage at suspect spots but not always.

On a new acquisition where your not familiar with the history I'd tend to park it until you can investigate what is going on. Certainly can't believe most former owners interpretations.

[OzDozer]

If it's a damaged seal or ferrule, you'll be able to see it. If it's a crack in the combustion chamber you most likely won't. However, a crack in the combustion chamber won't let oil into the cooling system .. only a damaged seal or ferrule on the oilways between head and block will do that .. or a leaking/damaged head gasket.
Oil into the cooling system won't hurt anything, but water in the oil decomposes the additives in the oil, and reduces its ability to lubricate.
Many people run engines for periods with serious problems, and most times it's not a good idea.
The general attitude is, that if an engine is shot .. running it more, with the problem, won't matter .. as it's shot anyway.
In your case, I wouldn't recommend operating it any more than necessary until you track down the problem.

[brialin]

I talked to the owner today and said it took quite a while for the water to get into the radiator. He didn't really know how much water was in the oil or how long for it to get there. The oiler cooler would have small bubbles every 2-3 seconds as long as the temperature was between 135 - 145 degrees. If the water gets hotter or colder the bubbles stop. I found a cooler from Regal Corp for $150. I don't know if it is new or rebuilt but for the price I will try this first. I hate to pull the head and find nothing wrong. I have never seen a cooler act like this.

[Old Magnet]

Shouldn't get any bubbles at all....think your making the right call.