how does water get into the crankcase?

[mariob]

the boat has a 3.0L volvo Penta motor.

I had a motor with a cracked intake manifold once and it was getting in that way. but the manifold was replaced.

what are the other possible scenario's where water can make its way into the crankcase? the oil looks pretty thin and its almost a greyish color


maybe headgasket?

but its running ok still though, just may be a matter of time before it gets
worse I guess.

originally I posted this as a prop question, but realize its better off in an engines forum, so if a mod could move it for me that would be appreciated as I don't want to double post.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: how does water get into the crankcase?

Blown head gasket can do it or a cracked block. What caused the manifold to crack?

 

[mariob]

Re: how does water get into the crankcase?

overheated because of a broken belt

 

[haskindm]

Re: how does water get into the crankcase?

An overheated engine will often lead to a leaking head gasket. A thorough check of the head gaskets is in order.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how does water get into the crankcase?

A head gasket that is leaking between a cooling water passage and an oil drain back hole is a direct route to the oil pan and the engine will still perform normally -- until the bearings can no longer tolerate the amount of water in the oil.