951C Water in Oil

Usually to produce steam you have water leaking in to the combustion area or hot exhaust passages. Look over the valve areas real close for cracks.

I suppose a major leak in the cooler could flood the oil system and distribute moisture/water that could wind up in the combustion process.

What were the original symptoms....bubbles in the radiator....loss of coolant.....oil levels going up...etc?

It's hard to do now that you have it apart but I would have a good look at the water pump. Since it's that bad you might aswell take the pan and plate off. Try to leave the oil pump in place or you will need to time the ballancers. Wash out as much of the slime out as you can. Reinstall the head, get the rest of the cooling system together so it will hold collant then pressurize the rad. You will be able to see the source of the leak and correct it. Then you need to change the oil filter and flush the crankcase with and oil additive that will make a solution of what's left in there and the new oil. Do Not Load the engine with this solution in there, idle only. Then change the oil and filter twice more and you should be good to go. You still need to watch for any signs of metal in the oil in future, perchance the crank bearings where dammaged.
Later Bob

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll continue the investigation this weekend and post what I find. The local Cat parts depot will enjoy the additional business.

Make sure the leak-off drain hole in the water pump is clear, you wouldn't be the first to pull an engine down to find its only a water pump seal leak!

Hi All,

I found time to continue the investigation. I tore down the water pump to find the seals are shot, in fact coolant blurped through to the gear side while I was working on it. :mmph: Considering how badly damaged the seals are I think this is the root source of the steam.

SJ - I did measure the liner height off the block deck. All four liners were .024 to .028 above the deck, they all have a step up on them. I don't think I need to do further investigation here, if I'm wrong let me know.

Thanks for all the help. I'll post an update after I QC my work.

Think you need another zero in there 0.0024 to 0.0028 ? But we get what you mean.

Nope, .024" to .028" is correct. The liners are distinctly above the deck. I cleaned the carbon buildup off the inner lip before I measured them, prior to cleaning I was getting .030" - .045". I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.

The head gasket had matching compression in the raised area where the liners contact.

Do you have them clamped down? Should use an "H"bar and two bolts torqued to 60 Lb Ft then measure at 4 points around the flange.
Later Bob

Something ain't right.
Spec is 0.0013 to 0.0069 in. with liners clamped down.

Are you measuring the outer ring next to the stepped bore or to the top of the projected ring. Spec is for outer ring.

Also I gave you the wrong spec (for spacer plate engine)
For the counterbored block it's 0.0020 to 0.0056 in.

Sorry