Water in oil question

[WABBIT]

Good morning everyone, I have a question. My 89 ram 50 2.0 with 129,000 Miles on it has water in the oil. Temp has not been running hot @ all. I noticed it yesterday. My question is how would I go upon on if its a blown head gasket, cracked head or a cracked block? I have not had any power loss or white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. But I can smell the Antifreeze while driving down the road. I have already been quoted an new head for $350 plus shipping. But I am just trying to figger out where the problem might lie or how to find out . I plan on taking the head off tomorrow. Any help would be great
Thanks

[Acuta73]

Before ya take the head off, just do a quick compression check. Will tell you volumes.

There's also a check you can do via the radiator, but I always forget what it is. Google that one, I guess.

Could be a leaky water pump? Not sure if the 2.0 is like the 2.6 and will allow water to run under the timing cover into the pan? Think that engine is a belt-timed engine, so mebbe not...

[recian]

A cylinder leakdown test will rule out head gasket. If bubbles come up the radiator in that test its a hg issue. Other issues with the block cant really be checked without disassembling it and having a machine shop check it. Usually smelling coolant is an external leak. Have you identified that yet?

[camoit]

Questions.
#1 did you add, or is it low on water?
#2 Is the PCV valve hooked up and working?
#3 Is the oil level getting higher on the stick.
#4 Have you drained the oil?
#5 If so how much water came out when the plug was removed?
#6 the smell of antifreeze, is it only in the cab of the truck when you smell it. Where is it strongest.

[WABBIT]

To answer all questions
I have added about a gallon of water twice
I can smell antifreeze in the cab
There is water on my dipstick
PVC valve was replaced about a year ago.
I haven't drained the oil plan on doing that tomorrow
I have not lost compression
Truck still runs like it always has

[camoit]

When you drain the oil if you can use a large glass bowl or somthing to catch the first quart or so. Then you can let it sit and see if there is water in there. The antifreeze you are smelling might be the heater core leaking. Normally when the head gasket goes it will run like crap when you start it then smooth out. Also if you fill the radiator to the top when cold and leave the cap off. As soon as it starts it will blow water out. Also the over flow bottle may be empty every day after sitting over night. If you pull the plugs and crank it over after sitting all night water will blow out one of the holes.

Water on the dip stick. Is it just white slime stuff. Many times that is because the PCV system is not working correctly. VW Bugs were bad in the winter. They did not have a PCV. But we can worry about that later. First we need to make sure the head is OK.

[WABBIT]

Actually I did forget to mention it does run like crap when I first start it then smooths out. Explains that. As far as the heater core I know its not leaking because my floorboard isn't wet @ all. My truck also does not leave any water puddles nor does it blow white smoke out the tail pipe. But I will pull all the plugs tomorrow and crank it. Once I have done that I'll drain all the oil and check back here either update on what I have found or possibly another solution. I did end up driving the truck for 3 days with water in the oil. I didn't have a choice but I am no longer driving my truck until I can isolate and fix the problem. I do appreciate all the help I am getting from everyone.

[camoit]

Yep sounds like a bad gasket. Don't forget to fill the radiator to the top before putting the plugs back in and starting it. Then drain the oil. This way you can confirm the problem. But it sounds like you are going to be pulling the head.

[WABBIT]

I was going to pull the head regardless tomorrow. I also might be buying a DONOR truck next week for hopefully $500. Its a complete truck but the guy claims it rns perfect. Sure could use one though. From what i've seen everyoen is recommending rockauto for parts. Are the parts good quality or just cheap?

[camoit]

500 is the right price for these trucks.

[DroppedMitsu]

Rockauto sells good parts. I haven't had any problems with them so far and I've ordered a bunch of stuff through them.

[WABBIT]

Alright thanks everyone, tearing truck apart now. Exhaust manifold came off with ease. Was quite surprised.
I went ahead and pulled off valve cover , yep loaded with water. Going to lable vaccumm lines so I know where they go.
If I decide to replace the head without rebuilding the block is there a chance I can blow a piston with the full compression of a new
Not rebuilt head ? Just trying to get things right here. Only paid $1500 for truck 5 yrs ago. With 54k miles on it . Have 129k miles on it now.
Been a good truck.

[camoit]

Just slap it back together. It won't hurt the bottom end.

[WABBIT]

Once again thanks for the input. Found out from my buddy that my block somehow managed to crack. Getting a complete donor motor out of NC. Buddy is gonna install it also. Decided to go ahead and put the weber on I also have. So I should have truck up and running right around Christmas

[camoit]

Normally it's the head. I haven't see a block crack unless it was in an accident.

[pennyman1]

If you overheat it bad enough, the block cracks too - I have bought trucks with cracked blocks that the heads were fine.

[WABBIT]

Well with not havign enough time to be able to continue to tear my truck apart, I have found a complete motor in NC for $650. My buddy who owns a shop is going to get the motor down here rip mine out and install it for me. I would rather put a bigger one in, But thats going to have to wait until I can purchase another car to use. So for now I'm going to go ahead and put the stock motor in. Best thing is he is going to offer me a 6 month warranty on it lol. But I'd like to thank everyone on their feedback though. I would like to make a donation to the site but thats going to have to wait til I get a cash flow going again.