Milky oil under port engine - Volvo D6 310

[rob1699]

Arrived back in Torquay after a great weekend in Salcombe (Red Arrows were fab), and noticed some milky coloured oil which had collected underneath the port engine (Volvo D6 310's on stern drives), I would say probably about half a cup full - so not masses of it. I've checked the dip stick and all is well, very clean and right on the line.

Any ideas where this might have come from? I'm slightly worried about it.

Thanks in advance.

Rob

 

[wl745]

Milky coloured oil

Well,that usually indicates emulsified oil so theres a mixture coming from somewhere.No obvious leaks?Nothing on the block?Oil filter tight?I would check with the engine running,maybe theres a leak when the oil is under pressure and emitting a fine spray,doesnt need a lot to make aan emulsified mixture.

 

[volvopaul]

I would say there is a slight leak from somewhere and its mixed in with bilge water while you have been on the move.

I would monitor engine oil level, and coolant level, clean out the affected area of bilge, run the engine till its hot and inspect the engine bay, the leak will show up then.

D6 engines are not renown, yet!!! for leaks, have you topped up the oil level recently?? as some may have been spilt and run down the head and block finding its way down there, black used oil will be grey when mixed with water, if its milky then its clean unused oil mixed with water.

 

[Peanuts]

Hi Rob

The good news is that the oil in the block is still clean. I cannot quite work out how you have lost some oil and the fill mark is still at the top line on the dipstick and also how it is emulsified. However the only place that I immediately think of is the oil cooler as that is where you have both oil and water in the same item and I have had them leak before, so have a look around that first of all. Good luck.

 

[Tidnock]

I suppose the first thing to establish is, did the oil emulsify in the bilge, if not, you may have two problems and the combination of water in the oil is increasing the level thus causing the leak. On the bright side, assuming it emulsified in the bilge, as suggested clean out the bilge an look for the source remembering that you engine is not the only source of lubricant, transmission and posibly your top up oil can may have leak? you may need a mirror to check underneath the engine, rear main oil seal, crank pulley seal etc.

 

[rob1699]

Hi chaps, thanks so much for your help, comments and suggestions - all good stuff.

There is always a drop of water in the bilges it could well be be emulsifying with the oil. Will do as suggested when I'm down on the boat this weekend. I couldn't spot any oil coming out from anywhere but perhaps I'm not looking in the right places!

Thanks again

Rob