Water in oil on Farmall C

Paul in SC · Mar 6, 2010

A while back I posted a question on this site about a small amount (2 to 3 tablespoons, estimated) of water getting into the oil in my Farmall C as determined when draining oil from pan. I received two helpful replies which I appreciated, but it got me to thinking if I had condensation water or water/antifreeze mixture contamination. I use green antifreeze/water mixture in coolant system but I cannot ascertain from milkie appearance of oil/water mix if it is coolant or condensation. My question: Is there a way to determine if it is coolant or just condensation?
Thanks to all the great help from this site.

clint s · Mar 6, 2010

You could do a few things. Just put the oil in a jar and let is sit for a while. The water or coolant will separate it just takes some time. You could also throw it in the freezer if it freezes it is water if not it is coolant

CNKS · Mar 6, 2010

I don't know if a similar reply was in the original thread. Your C has wet sleeves. You can pull the pan, and look at the cylinders from the underside. If you see water coming from between the sleeve and the block, green or otherwise, the cylinder sleeve rings are leaking. One of my C's is also leaking, have not had time to fix it yet. Otherwise, change the oil and anitfreeze. Run it a while, let it set long enough for the antifreeze to settle to the bottom, open the drain plug enough to make it drip -- you will see the antifreeze, particularly if green, if it is leaking from anywhere.

NawlensGator · Mar 7, 2010

I fixed a similar problem with a new head gasket.

ScottyHOMeY · Mar 7, 2010

Cnks and clint's ideas are a good starting point. As a combination of the two I'd take this approach. You've drained what there was from the bottom of the pan, so either top it off to the level of theupper petcock on the side of your pan or change the oil and filter entirely. Then run the tractor, regularly. Get it up to operating temperature. If necessary put a tall kitchen garbage bag on the front of the grille. The suction of the fan will hold it in place. That will act just like radiator shutters to mkae sure the motor gets warmed up well. After running it a few times, leave it set for a day, then drain a little from the bottom and see if you're getting anything other than oil.

If so, then's the time to analyze it. The green dye in antifreeze is pretty strong, so it shouldn't be hard to identify, either by its presence or absence. clint's suggestion is clever one.

If it does have traces of antifreeze, then's the time to start looking for a source. And you'd start by pulling the pan as CNKS suggested and having a look at the underside of the water jacket where the sleeves pass through.

pete 23 · Mar 7, 2010

Just take the oil filler off valve cover. Condensation of water or anti freeze will show up in there readily. I just take a little taste, if sweet, anti freeze. (I know, I know, but a little dab won't hurt you). Been doing it for over 55 years.

Paul in SC · Mar 8, 2010

Thanks to all of you who responded. Good advice and I appreciate it.
Paul in SC

Water in oil on Farmall C

Paul in SC

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clint s

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ScottyHOMeY

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pete 23

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Paul in SC

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