1938 Pontiac Coolant in Oil Pan

[upstairsdave]

Greetings,

I was wondering if anyone has experienced coolant in the oil pan on a 1938 or similar engine. I went to change the oil and much to my dismay I noticed antifreeze dripping from the oil drain plug. AHHHHHHH!!!! Well, I was wondering if the head bolt threads go into a water jacket in the block? Maybe I'll get lucky and it won't be the head gasket, head or block problem.

I hate to take it apart not knowing what the problem is. I tried a pressure test to the radiator but can't guild pressure because of the overflow tube. I guess I could put a fuel line on the overflow tube and seal it off to hold pressure. Spark plugs looked normal, no steam cleaning going on there. If anyone has had similar experience I would greatly appreciate your assistance.

Dave

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

Try torqueing the cylinder head.

It could be a condition where the leak occurs only when hot and they are tuff to find. With each cylinder at TDC and valves closed put about 100 psi of compressed air into each cylinder one ata time and observe. U'll have to block the wheels and set the parking brake to keep the car from lurching or if it's a OHV then remove the rockers.

If it IS the head bolts then coat the threads with permatex.

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

Do NOT be real quick to start milling heads or block surfaces. Such milling, contrary to popular belief, is only necessary in extreme warpage cases. Nearly never needed on flat heads. Extreme cases would be over .015 or more warpage on 12 inches.