Water in oil of Cummins QSB 5.9.

[driver0606]

I cannot believe I could be so stupid. Whilst heavily distracted, I checked for the water level in the front filler cap of the engine and found I could not feel it with my finger. After adding 2 litres of water/antifreeze mixture, I smelled a rat. I was using the oil filler!

Without starting the engine, I immediately drained the oil (water was the first thing to come out), put back some of the water free oil from the top of the oil removed, to try and flush any more water down, and drained that. I then refilled the engine with used but uncontaminated oil from the other engine. Hoping to flush any other water down into the sump. However, the water would have flowed more easily around the engine

My next plan (in 7 days time) is to drain the some oil out of the bottom of the sump, then run the engine until warm, then change the oil and filter for new. I am concerned as to whether some water may have remained in any pockets on the way down to the sump, or at the bottom of the sump. The sump drain is a well placed fitting, but must be slightly raised inside, trapping some water. Should the new oil look cloudy/emulsified after running, I would change it again.

Any comments on my plan, please? I am hoping Latestarter will see this and not consider me beyond redemption. Oh, by the way, the remote key for my car failed in the evening of that same day, locking me out!

 

[[2068]]

Sounds like a good plan, apart from that I wouldn't want to wait 7 days to fire up the engine.

 

[omega2]

A Drop of water will not do too much harm, do as you propose i.e remove the drain plug and let what water remains come out, Refill up to the mark on dip stick, take the boat for a run and get it "hot" watch your oil pressure gauge though. On return check the oil level, if any mayonnaise evident then change the oil and filter. The water will evaporate off through your breather, eventually!

 

[Latestarter1]

I cannot believe I could be so stupid. Whilst heavily distracted, I checked for the water level in the front filler cap of the engine and found I could not feel it with my finger. After adding 2 litres of water/antifreeze mixture, I smelled a rat. I was using the oil filler!

Without starting the engine, I immediately drained the oil (water was the first thing to come out), put back some of the water free oil from the top of the oil removed, to try and flush any more water down, and drained that. I then refilled the engine with used but uncontaminated oil from the other engine. Hoping to flush any other water down into the sump. However, the water would have flowed more easily around the engine

My next plan (in 7 days time) is to drain the some oil out of the bottom of the sump, then run the engine until warm, then change the oil and filter for new. I am concerned as to whether some water may have remained in any pockets on the way down to the sump, or at the bottom of the sump. The sump drain is a well placed fitting, but must be slightly raised inside, trapping some water. Should the new oil look cloudy/emulsified after running, I would change it again.

Any comments on my plan, please? I am hoping Latestarter will see this and not consider me beyond redemption. Oh, by the way, the remote key for my car failed in the evening of that same day, locking me out!

Don't panic Mr Mannering!

Oil fill on rocker cover, lube oil runs down into the pan via the push tube galleries, however on its way down it will wash over the sliding tappet. Less worried about water than the antifreeze which can wreak havoc with bearings so we need a strategy to minimise the risk. Luckily a QSB only has one camshaft bearing at the front the others run direct in the block.

Your plan sounds good, ensure you get engine up to working temperature, and I would replace the lube oil and filter again regardless of what oil looks like, luckily lube oil has really come down down in price, paid £43 a tub last week and your Fleetguard LF 3959 about £15.

Smart move may be to switch to premium Fleetguard 3894 for second change if you can source it as it has Statopore media which is more effective.

One we have mitigated the effect of the coolant any remaining water will simply form a small layer of sludge at the bottom of the oil pan and stay there.

Enjoy the season and take an oil sample before you lay up to ensure all is well.

Finally buy a new battery for your smart key!

 

[driver0606]

Thank you all for your encouraging replies, especially Latestarter, a mine of information as usual.

I am curious as to the dangers of the antifreeze, which I thouht was anticorrosive, should I perhaps pour some WD40, or a couple of litres of diesel in the filler?
Also, is it reasonable to turn off (or nearly off) the water intake valve to give the engine full warm up while on the berth?
Finally, is a two year ZF gearbox oil and filter change interval reasonable? My automatic car has a five year interval.

 

[omega2]

No good running it offload, get out and use it.

 

[driver0606]

Just to update everybody who kindly replied to my problem. After draining the contaminated oil and then running at the first oil change, there was no sign of milkyness and no water in the oil when drained from right at the bottom of the pan. The same with the second and a hard run of about 50 mins. I am now on my third oil change (always with filters) and all is well. Thanks.

 

[rafiki_]

Good result!