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Bubbles in Oil

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simpzimmer

simpzimmer

Senior Member
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I blew a valve cover gasket last week and in the process of changing it I pulled the dipstick and noticed bubbles on it. I have heard that is a sign of a blown head gasket. If so, what are some things to check and look at to test it? I'm not noticing any oil seeping around the head.
 
Light blue or white smoke, and a really bad smell are all signs. Oil looks like Yoo Hoo is another. Open the oil drain and see what comes out.
 
If I am getting water/antifreeze in the oil, am I running a chance of blowing the car up? I took it for a short drive yesterday and everything seemed to be running fine.
 
If you are getting water/antifreeze in the engine, don't run it. With the addition of water/antifreeze, oil loses it's lubricity. If you continue to run it, you will have major problems.
Your problem definitely sounds like a blown head gasket. The first one I'd check would be the one you had the earlier problem with.
The engine won't blow up, but it will lock up causing a myriad of potential problems.
 
antifreeze will displace oil on the bearing surfaces... And it ain't a good lubricant.
 
Did you overfill the oil? Too much oil will allow the crank to whip it into a froth.
Check the compression in each cylinder. If all cylinders are within 10-15% (I'm going by memory on the percentage) Max to min average your head gasket may be OK. If you have a low cylinder. Squirt some light oil into the cylinder and check again. If the rings are worn the oil will provide a temporary seal and allow the pressure to build. Do you see any bubbles in the radiator? Bubbles indicate gas leaking into the coolant. A leak down test is a good way to determine if the head gasket is bad. You can find instructions in the internet or check with some local garages to see if they have the equipment and interest.
 
Greg,
One does not "blow" a valve cover gasket, per se. There is not enough pressure inside there to literally blow the gasket out, cause a leak yes. It really doesn't sound like you blew your head gasket, especially if the car seems to run ok. That said, you may be "in the process" of blowing a gasket. Perhaps a leakdown test would be appropriate at this point.


Bill
 
hi,
let the car sit. don't drive it. oil floats on water so the pump picks up the water first. once it has sat a couple of days,drain the oil. if you have water come out first, you've got trouble. the head gasket is the first to consider. once the head is off you may want to pressure test it. check for flatness while its off. if in doubt about surface condition, have it surface ground or milled to correct. the other possibility is the cylinder seal at the f08 gaskets at the base of the cylinders.
keep us posted.
rob
 
I suppose it might be possible to "blow" a valve cover gasket if the PCV vent is clogged up.
 
[ QUOTE ]
the other possibility is the cylinder seal at the f08 gaskets at the base of the cylinders.
rob

[/ QUOTE ]
No such animals on the Spit. Just a conventional block setup there.
And, when running an aluminum cover on my 1500, without a retaining lip on the cover, I have had the gasket slip outwards. Dumped a bunch of oil on the header during a race, and created a very spectacular looking flame trail behind the car. Someone else was driving, and I was watching from the tower. A bit apprehensively, I might add! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jeff
 
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