oil in radiator expansion tank

[trantony]

OK guys! I seem to never have the obvious problems I can figure out. Here is another new one for any and all to lend a helping hand on. Loaded up getting ready to leave for Panama City Beach, Fl.
for Thunder Beach Rally. Fat Lady has been running fine with no symptoms . Final check of oil and water. Oil is ok, but when checking water reservois, there is very little water. So I insert a long neck funnel to add a 50/50 mix to cold fill mark. Problem was when I removed the funnel the end is coated with engine oil ???. Upon further inspection, I determined it is definitely motor oil. Here is where I need help. Searched archives and found nothing about oil in the water, only water in the oil. I'm thinking maybe a water pump seal gone bad and oil getting into system there. Anyone got any ideas where to start with this? Any and all comment are greatly appreciated.
trantony
#1860

[shortleg]

  Just keep an eye on coolent level for while.
it is probable that it is just scum from the bottom of tank.
  Have you flushed your coolent in a while?
            Shortleg[Dave]

[Big Rig]

Also, the funnel...not the same one you use for oil...just playing  's advocate.

Keep an eye on the level and brings a small bottle of 50/50 with you jic

[trantony]

Yeah shortleg, I was kinda hoping that was what it was too. But did everything but taste test, and pretty sure it's motor oil. And no, I haven't flushed it in awhile, probably 3-4 years. That was my next move. Then I plan to pull the water pump to check seal. I'll keep you posted as to what I find. Going to work out of town Monday so may be a while before I get to it. Thanx for feedback, you too big rig.

[HotRod]

Don't forget when you pull your pump your motor oil will drain,so pick up 4 qts of oil while your at it. I just ordered new seals for my pump but because the pump was dripping ever so slightly,not sure if that's going to fix it or if I got to break down and buy a new pump,will see in a couple of days.

[Robert]

Hot Rod check the thermostat housing can look like the pump but drips from above. If there is oil in the water tank then its not the water pump either, water is under pressure and the water pump is not pressure lubricated by the oil just splash oiling which will not allow the oil in. Clean the tank refill with antifreeze and keep a eye on it. More than likely if it is leaking it will be the head gasket. Oil does sometimes go into the coolant rather than the other way.

[Fuzzy (Louisiana)]

Just a note.....some people have stripped out the water pump screws when pulling it.  Take it slow.  Hopefully it is only the gasket between the oil and water.  Remember to drain your oil first or it will come out at you through the fwater pump hole.

Fuzzy
Mark

[trantony]

Here is an update on the oil in the radiator expansion tank. I drained antifreeze from engine and it looked like it was changed a few month ago. That is how clean it was. Been at least 3-4 years and 12K-15K miles since I changed. Absolutely no oil or even a trace in engine & radiator. So, I removed tank and dumped oily water out, cleaned out tank and refilled system w/ silicate free 50/50 mix. Plan on making a 100 mile run tomorrow to check it out. I'll post my finding this weekend. Thanks again for all who responded.
Ride safe and keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.

[trantony]

Update on oil in water tank issue. I have made several rides totaling about 300 miles and have found no signs of more oil in water tank or water in oil. Guess I'll just keep a close eye on this for a couple of thousand miles before I decide what is next. Thanks to all who responded.