slight water in oil

I have been getting a little water in my oil. I is always high up on the dipstick. Whenever I fisrt pull it out there will be alot on it. Then when I wipe it off and try checking the oil again there is very little or none. I drainded my oil and didn't see anything. Filled it back up and still does it. It is a 79 F-150 with a 302 engine. Could some one let me know please. I drive this truck often, at least 2 times a week. The oil just has streaks of milky oil in it. Mostly on the top of the oil stick. The engine does run cold. Thanks Adam

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: hancadam on 12/21/03 1:22am ]</font>

Need a little more information.... did this occur after the car sat for a number of days? If so that would probably just be condensation and running the engine to operating temp will take care of it.

What is the color of the oil? Is it a milky white or brown? That would indicate a true leak of coolant into the oil, which is not good. If this is the case you want to track down the leak. Could be head gaskets, waterpump or timing chain cover leak, crack in a coolant passage, or even loose/unsealed rocker arm studs or head bolts.

The oil is mostly normal brown with just a small amount of milky streaks on the dipstick. No it has not sat any.

I don't want to change my head gaskets if not needed. Could it be something else? It seems there would be more water and more of a problem if it was a head gasket.


Does anyone know? Could someone please help?


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: hancadam on 12/22/03 3:51am ]</font>

When I still had my 302 in my F100 it would do that once in a while. I did'nt drive it much either. Finally found that the pcv hose was collapsing while driving. Changed the hose, pcv valve and the oil and it cleared up
Clint
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I would say it's condensation. Make sure the PVC is working ok.
[addsig]

Also it runs very cold, and its been cold here. Could that have to do with it. It started to do this when it got cold. The fact that its not there all the time tells me its not a headgasket or craked block, but I want to make sure.
Thanks Adam

ya doesnt sound like head gasket, you'd have a milky white/brown oil in no time.

My recommendation... change the oil. Run it to full operating temp whenver you start it. Then see if it still occurs. If temps are cold out, it's likely condensation.

The other thing I recommend, if you still are getting a little bit, is throw a tube of Alumaseal or Bars Leak in the radiator, it'll seal up any tiny leaks in the cooling system that may be causing this.

I'd also change out the thermistat and try to get the running temp. up. That'll help get the moisture out also.
Clint
[addsig]

Well I think that will do it. Thanks for all the information.