Coolant in oil pan

[72spider124]

Just picked up a '72 Spider. Found coolant in the oil pan when I drained the oil. I have the cylinder head off now but don't see any cracks and the gasket looked okay. Getting ready to pull the rest of the engine out. Anyone have any ideas of what I should look for?

[narfire]

How about oil in the coolant. What colour is the oil? If you suspect oil in the coolant as well, make sure you do a complete flush with the heater valve open.

[v6spider]

Head could be warped and may need to be surfaced. I'd take it to a machine shop and have them check just to be sure. They can also do a pressure test that can reveal any cracks hidden by the naked eye as well.

Cheers!
Rob

[vandor]

Head could be warped and may need to be surfaced.

If warped then the camtower surfaces also need to be checked, otherwise the cams may lock up when the towers are bolted on.
BTW, cracked heads are not typical, but can happen when a head is very corroded.

[72spider124]

Thanks for the info. Oil was grey looking. Coolant was low and i added a gallon. Checked the level and it keep going somewhere. Had coolant leaking from between the engine and trans area. Customer had a new head gasket in the wrapper sitting in the car when I bought it along with some other parts.

[72spider124]

Car also ran fine and drove, enough to get on the trailer.