Water - Not Antifreeze - In Oil

[jimainiac]

Our old Kubota L245DT sits outside all summer and I keep a can on the exhaust stack. Twice this summer there has been water in the oil. The first time was after we spread lime with the broadcast spreader. When we were done it was a dusty mess, so I hosed it down. I didn't think anything of it, but the next time I checked the oil it was a gray milkshake. I changed the oil and no problem the rest of the summer. I must admit, we don't use that one that much, mostly just to bushog the fields. When I used it about a month ago, I didn't check the oil before I started, but when I did it was milkshake time again, and when I pulled the plug the first thing that came out was clear water. The antifreeze in the radiator is right up where it should be. I wonder where the water could be getting in?

 

[SkyPup]

Could possibly just be a result of normal condensation as a result of leaving it out all year long, housing it indoors would prevent that from happening.

 

[jimainiac]

I think it's a lot more than just condensation. We're doing pretty much the same thing as we've done for the last 5 years. I normally change the oil when we get up in May - it's at a summer place. We've never had this happen before.

 

[SkyPup]

Have you checked the radiator fluid to see if there actually is antifreeze in it? Maybe it is just H2O instead.

 

[jimainiac]

Yep, nice and green in the radiator, up where it should be.

 

[BigAl]

Quick Question ?? Does your exhaust cover can have a hole in the top that is allowing water in ? You stated that you discovered water in the oil after washing . Sounds like a vent or air intake housing leak where external water can seep in .Is the tractor parked outside ? Has it rained on it between the first and second discovery of water in the crankcase?
If it is turning the oil gray you have a major intake of water from some exterior source .
Big Al

 

[frank_f15]

well if you are not get water/ anti freeze from the cooling system it can only be water from condesation or in though the exhaust , is it possibe the the exhyst pipe has hole in it and when it rains water seeps in, they could be ery small pin holes. just a thought.

 

[tarbaby]

If you washed your tractor when the engine is still hot or warm enough this will create condensation in the motor, check the oil before you use it but do not wash the tractor after your done, check the oil,then check it the next day to see if water is in the oil, if the antifreeze stays full it has to be condensation, also not allowing the engine to come up to temp for a short time will create condensation make sure your engine is operating at warm temp and not cold. hope this helps

 

[jimainiac]

I don't think anything's getting in at the top of the stack. I don't trust the flapper cap, so I have an upside down WD40 gallon can bungeed on. Yes it does sit out all summer, but hey, it's a tractor! And the thing is, it didn't happen before. Something must have changed, and I don't know what. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that it's way too much to be condensation. It's put to bed for the winter, parked under a shed roof. I'll renew the investigation in the Spring, but I just wondered if anybody had an idea where water could enter the motor, whether from hosing, or rain.

 

[coloradotrout]

What ages are your kids ;-) Have they seen dad adding fluids ;-)