Engine Oil Thrown Out Through The Dipstick

[mikebh8]

Hello again, I noticed on my engine that with the dipstick off a lot of oil is coming out through that small pipe. I removed some, now the level is half way on the dipstick but it still does it. Any ideas why?

I have to mention this is a "new" second hand engine that I am trying to get it running, I only had it running an hour or sow twice.

Thank you.

[andyb2000]

Hm, this sounds a little odd, so you're saying the oil level is majorly high (half way up the dipstick or half way up the 'correct' level position on the dipstick)

If it's really high, and you've drained some and it's gone back up/still high then it sounds like you might be getting coolant into your oil (It has to be getting topped up by some other fluid) and if that's the case it could be a few things (head gasket, oil cooler, etc).

 

From when I took the bottom of my engine apart, the dipstick tube end sits about 3/4 way up the oil pan, so I'd not imagine it to be getting a lot of oil sloshing at it (It is right beside the balance shaft assembly) which makes me think there is way too much oil in there.

[gordy]

Need to check the crankcase ventilation system sounds like its blocked.

[mikebh8]

Hi, the oil is now half way between the min and max marks.

Ill drain the oil tomorrow to see if is any water in it, there isn't any on the dipstick when I pulling it out.

 

Where should I look for a blocked ventilation system?

Thanks.

[bignev]

Hiya, got to be honest I've never pulled the dipstick with the engine running, so wouldn't know if the crankcase pressure would push oil up it.

 

I think Andy thought you meant halfway up the entire dipstick not halfway between marks. So if the oil level isn't going up don't sweat about it.

 

Now as mine is petrol, I'd request a diesel owner to try the experiment, and if their's does it, it's not a fault, it's what it does??

 

I have a diesel Galaxy, and Master van, but it's not relevant really as it's not the same motor hey guys.

[andyb2000]

Ah yes, sorry crossed wires there. I thought you had oil halfway up the whole dipstick and was worrying you had one heck of a lot of oil in there!

 

Ok, don't think you need to drain/check oil for water then. gordy sounds more spot on then that might be worth checking. I can't compare with mine at the moment I'm afraid so can't tell if it's the same.

 

Actually, on the lines of what Gordy mentioned, what about opening the top oil fillter and then take the dipstick out, see if it still happens, in theory that should allow ventilation (Proving if it is vent blockage). I'm thinking out-loud here but don't see why that won't prove it.

[gordy]

At the moment I've never looked into the ventilation of this engine. But from previous engines there is a oil/fumes seperator attached to the block then a hose going from there into the air intake manifold before the Turbo.

[mikebh8]

Hi, I took some parts off as I replaced the gearbox. The thermostat was blocked open...I don't know if that made the oil boiling.

When the oil filling cap removed, a lot of steam comes out. However this does only start when the engine is getting hot not in the first 20-30 mins. Could it be from the coolant? I'll check today and let you know.

[GVCamper]

A bit hard to diagnose without seeing or hearing it, sounds like venting is closed as said before. If this problem keeps up after fixing that it might be gasket blow by, i dont believe its ring/piston blowby as you say it only comes on after running a while

[randyrabbit]

i hope im wrong but sounds like crankcase compression

[mikebh8]

Hi, sorry for late reply, I found what it was.

In the picture attached you will see a red circle, all that section was filled with oil and carbon debris. Plus the thermostat was blocked.

Edited June 7, 2017 by mikebh8

[andyb2000]

Thanks for posting back Mike, that's interesting. I've had that fitting off many times but never figured what it was to be honest with you.

 

You said the thermostat was blocked, do you mean stuck open? In which case that causes the engine to run cold not hot (water circulating at full pump speed so cooling down very quickly) so at worst that causes more inefficient diesel engine (and no cabin warmth) rather than anything more serious than that.

If you've replaced the thermostat, all good, if not do a search and find the thermostat in-line mod (I did a youtube howto video on it) as an alternative to replacing the thermostat due to the awkward location it is.

[mikebh8]

Hi, I did replace the thermostat....if you remember me saying it, my brother in law found that the wiper motor and wiper cover comes off...it is a lot easier after that.

After replacing it, the fan kicks in when the temperature goes high and (I can only assume that what it was) the oil does not coming out after cleaning the red circled area.

However on heavy acceleration (on neutral as the car is blocked and I can't take it out for a spin right now), a thick black smoke comes out, until I will try it on the road, again assumptions, I believe is all the residue from cleaning the pipes.

I'll update the topic soon as I know for sure.