My 4.0 SC blew a headgasket, which seems to be a common failure. I have torn it down, with only the crank, rods and pistons still intact.
Other members have just had head gaskets replaced, and off they go with no apparent issues.
I am at the point where I need to spend a bunch of money on parts, and I need to decide on whether to leave the bottom end alone. This is not a small decision for my budget, as bearings alone are a $1,000, with out the cost of bolts, which could be very pricey on there own.
So, bottom line (pardon the pun) has anyone seen definite bearing damage that can be blamed on water in the oil?

Thanks

 

Hi avt007, I have on at least 2 occasions had water contaminate my oil. Once in a '66 GTO which got a leak between the cylinder and water jacket. I replaced the head gaskets and had no trouble thereafter. No drop in oil pressure. Also in a 425 powered Riviera due to poorly installed hardened seats. Leaked quite a bit into the pan. Both cars had been run with the water in the oil. Changed the oil and started it and it still had the same oil pressure. I suppose it may just depend on how long something was run with the oil in the pan. Water being heaver will sink to the bottom and be picked up by the oil pump first. Unfortunately it doesn't make a good lubricant and can rust the iron parts it flows through. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks Jagman, I am leaving the bottom end as is and we'll see I guess.

 

Don't sweat it, water in the oil won't hydro lock it and fuel dilution is even common in direct injected cars. Now when you ingest water in the intake tract and your engine tries to compress it, well... Bad things happen. As long as your bearings were fine before, they will be fine tomorrow

 

Maybe if we knew how long it was driven on the contaminated oil and the overall mileage the engine has done could help. I too have had water through the oil on several cars for short periods with no adverse effect.