Water in the oil

[Lynn Eades]

I see it like Richard. Follow the manufactures advice. See how you go.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Tony

Did you happen to test and exercise the new thermostat by chance before putting it in? If not probably will be OK. But I have found over the last 10 years that many NEW thermostats are very slow to open the first couple of heat cycles which on a freshly rebuilt engine can be problem it the temp comes up real quick. It is real annoying to blow water out of the radiator on the first start just because the thermostat stuck the first time, leaves you chasing a problem that by they maybe gone.

The other thing I have found that the first time they open they may actually not open until 20 degrees F past their stated value. After they have been cycled a couple of times they seem to settle down and work correctly.

I test/exercise them by putting pan of hot water and bring them up to the rated temp or until they open. Then take them out of the water and let them cool doing this a couple of times seems to do the trick. The ones I've done this too the difference on how much quicker they respond after a few cycles is very evident.

Of course when ever I put a bunch of thermostats in the pot, my wife asks what I'm fixing for lunch.

Cheers Phil

PS Know I've mentioned this before but every time I buy a thermostat it is slow to open the first time.

[Little Jo]

Hi Richard, Lynn and Phil

I appreciate your advice and will do as suggested and go by the manufacturers instructions. Phil. I tested the thermostat in my wife's saucepan and watched it open and close. But unlike you, I am a coward and did not do it until my wife was out of the house and in the garden.

Cheers

Tony

[Little Jo]

Hi Guys

I wish to report that my problem with water in the oil is now solved. A mate came over to give me some moral support to start her up for the first time. It took a few turns to get the fuel into the carby before she fired up.

We have just come back from a nice 20 minute drive and I report that the old girl is purring like a kitten, I am so relieved. I ended up replacing the head gasket, had the head shaved, new thermostat, new plugs and replaced the original head bolts with studs.

In the morning when she is cold I will re torque the head and change the oil again and install the new oil filter. I then propose taking her for a spin to Mt Barker and back a round trip of about 60 Klm's. That should settle everything back as it should be.

Thanks to all you MLU chaps for your advice and suggestions which I followed to the letter.

Cheers

Tony

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Tony

Nice to hear the operation was a success and the patient survived and is doing well. Closing the loop is good information for the next person who has the same problem.

Cheers Phil