Some water in Oil Filter!!!???

[CV-23]

This story begins by popping two freeze plugs on my 454 in late October! I thawed the motor and winterized but noticed I cracked both exhaust manifolds. There was no water in the oil at this point. I replaced both manifolds and all is running well. I did not change the oil last fall but did so last weekend. No water in the oil pan when I drained it but milky water in the filter. Where does the oil cooler fit in this loop to the remote oil filter? I'm thinking the cooler could be damaged and water getting in the oil.....or worst....cracked head or head gasket? Motor is running perfect at WOT. No performance issues. I'm so pissed because I winterized the water and waste first and ran out of daylight and a week cold spell caused this mess. Engine is at about 900 hrs. The question is to mess with it or just do a long block drop in. Probably go from current 454 to 454Mag or 502. Thanks for any input. Plan on keeping the boat for quite a while. It's a 1990 270DA Bravo1, Mike.

 

[Saverio]

Try following the sea water intake hose. it should go to the cooler first than the heat exchanger or the t-stat housing

 

[CV-23]

Looking for the oil route....know the water route....Thanks.

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

Hi Mike,
My oil lines run down to a dual purpose cooler mounted on the port side of the engine down by the motor mount. Both power steering fluid and the engine oil run through this cooler. It is a %#&@*& to get at. Had to put a piece of plywood to lay on over the engine and a pad on the batteries for my head and stand on my head so I could have both hands free to reach down there and remove the lines and nut holding the mounting bracket. Hope this helps. Good Luck with her.

 

[CV-23]

What was wrong with your oil cooler 1990-270-da-lover?

 

[SCORPIO]

I wouldn't panic yet, change the oil and filter and maybe look at that cooler. You could do a compression test and a leak down test to see if you have a blown head gasket.

How much water did you get out of the filter?

Don't feel too bad, I hydrolocked my port engine in that same cold snap and just finished installing a brand new engine a few weeks ago.
Misery loves company.

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

What was wrong with your oil cooler 1990-270-da-lover?

Hi Mike,
It had frozen and pushed one of the soldered end caps off the end of the cooler. I discovered it when going over all the systems after I purchased the boat. I kept it because I could repair it, but purchased a new one. I will fix the old and keep it as a spare. It is still open and clean inside.
Cliff