Foamy oil in 1964 Ford truck. Do I have a problem

Paul Shuler · Dec 12, 2014

Checked the oil in the old Ford truck that I have had since early summer. I have done one oil change on it since I have had it and the old oil didn’t look bad. I put in Rottela 15-45 and have had no problems. When I took off the cap to add a little oil this is what I found. I checked the anti freeze level and if it has dropped any it’s so small that I can’t tell. Truck seems to run fine with no smoking or anything. What do I have going on.

Paul Shuler · Dec 12, 2014

Forgot to add that the oil on the dip stick didnt look foamy. But the dip stick had a small foamy spot on it right at the top.

glennster · Dec 12, 2014

looks like you are getting either coolant in the oil, or water from condensation. iirc, that does not have a crankcase pcv set up, prolly just a vent pipe to vent combustion gases. you may want to hook up a better crankcase vent system.

casecollectorsc · Dec 12, 2014

Probably just normal condensation when the weather got cooler. My old 87 Dodge Dakota does that in the winter months. Taste a small amount, sweet taste could indicate antifreeze. That would be trouble.

Goose · Dec 12, 2014

Maybe nothing. Older vehicles, particularly if they aren't driven long enough and hard enough to get the oil up to a high enough temp to burn condensation out of the oil, will show a tan, milky substance on the dipstick and around the filler cap.

Modern engines run hot enough that there's no problem. I went through the same panic with a '57 Mercury once and found I had no problem.

Old weldor · Dec 12, 2014

That is from condensation. Short drives? Maybe not getting warmed up enough?

Wayne in MN · Dec 12, 2014

Take the truck for a 100 mile trip down the Intestate & get the engine warmed up good.
Check the crankcase ventilation system for proper function also.

Texasmark1 · Dec 12, 2014

+1. Nothing but wintertime condensation from not getting the engine hot enough to evaporate the moisture that accumulates inside.

Mark

Texasmark1 · Dec 12, 2014

It's there for the same reason. Get it out and get her hot for an hour or so. Might take a rag and wipe out what you see before you make the trip so as not to confuse old condensation with the lack thereof once you complete your burnout.

Mark

jon f mn · Dec 12, 2014

That cap is the vent for your engine so the moist air mixes with the oil there. The white on the dipstick is likely because the vent is partially plugged forcing air in and out through the dip stick. Clean that cap with gas and air real well, then take the truck on a 100 mile freeway trip as said.

Fatamus · Dec 12, 2014

My first vehicle was a 65 Ford 1/2 ton w/352: out date 1/9/65
That is normal when the temp drops and there is a lot of moisture in the air. Also you may get some foam on the dipstick above the oil mark. That is from condensation in the dipstick tube. However, if the oil itself is foamy you need to dig deeper.
I always had trouble with the intake manifolds front and rear gaskets on the big blocks.

The best idea is to run it up to temp for a while and change the oil ... We always ran RPM Dello 20W but 10W-40 would be fine. To keep that from happening again : First I would inspect the breather tube and see if the end is smashed or bent. This is quit normal of vehicles of that era but it seemed that Ford did it the worst. So to update the system you will need to get a dry air filter housing (dry air cleaner) that has a PCV (Positive Crank Ventilation) hook up, you can get one from a salvage yard. One off a 70 Ford XLT should work.
You will also need a new style rubber that goes into the valve cover and a PCV valve. It might be easier just to get the right valve cover from the 70 Ford too.
good luck

MarkB_MI · Dec 12, 2014

Run a cooling system pressure check. You might have a bad head gasket.

hd6gtom · Dec 12, 2014

We had 2 of those at 1 time both were prone to do this. they were delivery trucks, mostly used around town. never seemed to hurt anything.

Allan in NE · Dec 12, 2014

That's just condensation.

Run 'er hard to get it good and hot; then change the oil. Make sure you have a good hot thermostat.

Allan

M-MAN · Dec 12, 2014

Condensation. My 66 did the same thing when it wasn't driven much. Use a hotter thermostat. If it persists you may have to remove the valve covers and clean the drain holes. CRS but if I'm not mistaken the oil drains are the only vent you have.

Pair-a-dice farm · Dec 12, 2014

Yep it's condensation. I had a '66 F100 that did the same on short trips. Like everybody said get her good and warm. It will go away in the summer.

that is a good looking truck

Paul Shuler · Dec 12, 2014

Thank you to all that took the time to reply. I have noticed that the temp gauge never goes above 165 even this summer when it was hot. Maybe I should drop a hotter therostat in the old girl. So glad its not anything bad. I grew up in a truck much like this one sitting right next to my dad. Everytime I drive it I can smell his pipe smoke in my mind.

old · Dec 12, 2014

Sounds like it does not warm up enough to steam off condensation. You need at least a 180 if not a 195 thermostat in it.

Fatamus · Dec 12, 2014

Only flat spot on the dash is the speaker and the Ol' man would put his 7&7 there and it would spill every time. That speaker will work forever...

mab570diesel · Dec 12, 2014

AS others have said it is not getting warm enough.when a fuel is combusted it also makes a small amount of condensation(water) which is what you are seeing. check thermostat to make sure it is working and getting the engine up to proper operating temperature.if nothing else stick some cardboard in front of the radiator,just watch the temp. gauge as to not get it too hot.proper temp. is what will burn that condensation off and hopefully no more milk for you.

agonair · Dec 12, 2014

good lookin ole Ford. Have had two of that era...Grandpa bought a 1964 F250 with a 262 6 cylinder and 4 speed. Same color as yours...kept until it finally rusted away about 10 years ago.

I had a 1965 F250 with a 240 6 cylinder...same color. Wish I had it back.

Foamy oil in 1964 Ford truck. Do I have a problem

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