Water in the oil

[Little Jo]

Hi Mike and Lynn

Thank you for your good advice. I will not be rushing the job and will take your suggestions on board as I progress. As you guys have stated it might now be a good time to do those extra jobs.

I think the water leak is relatively new as when I checked the oil about a month ago it was OK and I have only taken the old girl out for a 20 kilometre spin once since then. I didn't notice anything strange as the old girl was purring along OK and there was no tell tale smoke from the exhaust.

The head had bolts and I was thinking of changing them to studs. The bolts still look OK and still have good threads, but I am not sure if they can be used again as I would not like to think I snapped one and had to go all through removing the head again and drilling out the shaft. So I think I will go slowly, and check everything as I go.

Cheers

Tony

[Keith Orpin]

Tony,
The correct pressurised cap for the radiator should be 4 lbs for the MB. ( Lynn questioned 7 lbs). Otherwise, I would take on board everything the guys have said.
Good Luck
Keith

[Little Jo]

Hi Guys.

Thanks Keith. I had replaced the radiator cap, but alas I did not check the pressure, I took the radiator guys word that it was OK for my Jeep.

I removed the head gasket, easiest job ever, I just lifted it off, I didn't need to prise it at all, there were a few tell tale signs where the water had seeped under it. This also matched the rust marks on the head. So as I suspect it may not have been leaking for long, I hope so. I removed the spark plugs and only number 4 spark plug looked like it had been in contact with water. The work continues.

Cheers

Tony

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Tony,
Just had another small thought. It sounds like you did'nt have problems with over heating, how ever, at this stage I would change your thermostat for one that is fully open at 74 Degrees centigrade (which equates to 180 Degrees fareinheit).
Keep us posted
Keith ( from a very wet and windy UK)

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Keith Orpin

Hi Tony,
Just had another small thought. It sounds like you did'nt have problems with over heating, how ever, at this stage I would change your thermostat for one that is fully open at 74 Degrees centigrade (which equates to 180 Degrees fareinheit).
Keep us posted
Keith ( from a very wet and windy UK)

Hi Keith

I have been able to source a new head gasket, thermostat and thermostat retainer. So I will replace it all with new stuff, I have also decided to replace the head bolts with studs, which is an extra cost but I think well worth it. I will pick up all the parts tomorrow and today I will drop off the head for a shave. I thought I might as well do it all whilst I have it all stripped down.

I do have a question though, I have always used rainwater in the radiator and I was wondering if I can use the Green Coolant used in modern cars in my old 1942 engine and if so would that be a benefit or should I stick to using rainwater.

Cheers

Tony

[Grant Bowker]

If you are ever likely to see freezing temperatures, I suggest anti freeze.
It doesn't need to be anything fancy, no need for exotic "aluminum safe" or "multi-metal galvanic corosion prevention" as it's all pretty much cast iron and brass that got along just fine on lowtech versions. An ethylene glycol based antifreeze giving lowered freeze point and some anti-corrosion should be enough. But I would stay away from the old-time concoctions (wood alcohol, salt, honey etc.)
A side benefit is that antifeeze/coolant usually also raises the boiling point.

[Little Jo]

Hi Grant

That is some good advice. But where I live in the country here in South Australia, Man I would die if we had freezing temperatures and I would never leave the house. I feel for you guys in Canada and Europe at the moment, it is 22 degrees here today and that is cold for this time of the year. So I guess I can leave out the anti freeze in my jeep.

Cheers

Tony