Water in Oil

[thaeni]

I have a Westerbeke 12CTWO with 667 hrs. I noticed oil is
real thick and grayish in color. Engine runs fine with no smoke
and normal pressure. Beside a head gasket where else could water
get into the oil. Also oil level is over the full mark so I'm positive
water is getting in from somewhere.
Thanks

 

[Bill Roosa]

Check your anti overflow/expansion tank

Hi Thaeni
There are three sources that might be the culprit, head gasket, intake manifold gasket (engine dependant), and the exhaust pipe.
Since the engine runs OK the head gasket does not seem to be it but keep an eye on your expansion tank for loss of fluid. It has to be being replaced from there to be getting into the engine.
The intake manifold can on some engines also dump anti into the engine's intake which will manifest as white (steam) exhaust. You can also see it in the water once the engine has started as an oily sheen (anty in the water.)Since you don't have that I'm thinking that raw water is backing up in the exhaust and making its way past the exhaust valves.
Did you have trouble starting the engine on occasion or have a long crank once?
A long crank (one long or multiple short ones) before start can fill the exhaust and muffler and back up into the engine through the exhaust valve.

 

[kloudie1]

Yup, you definitely have water getting into the crankcase.. I am not familiar with that engine.. but many Westerbekes have gear driven water pumps. If a seal fails on this pump, it will put a lot of water into the crankcase without putting a lot in the bilge. Bill has done a pretty good job of listing the other places to look. If, when the engine is running, you see water dripping out of the water pump, you probably have water getting into the crankcase there. Since you are in fresh water it is not as corrosive as salt would be but water really affects the ability of oil to carry a load.. the problem should be corrected before you load the engine .. There was a recent thread that listed the ways to get the engine clear after the source of the water is found and corrected.. Good luck !