Water in oil

[Corvairdan]

I have a 2009 TJ with 2.4L engine. A few weeks ago it was leaking some coolant and I replaced the radiator and flushed the cooling system. The cooling system kept loosing coolant and no leak was detected. It became hard to start and last week I noticed white smoke when it stated which soon went away. A couple of times the oil pressure did not come up on start, but instantly came up when cut off and restarted. A couple of times it ran hot but the temperature came down when I turned the heater on. I added water when it cooled down and the temperature stayed normal.

Yesterday my worst suspicions were realized. I pulled the dipstick and found water in the oil. I immediately parked it. Today I drained the oil and some water came out before the oil. I suspect that the head gasket is blown. My question is: Did the water possibly do any damage to the engine? Can i just replace the head gasket, or is the engine trashed? Tomorrow I am going to pull the filter and put some fresh oil to hopefully prevent any rust issues. Does anyone have any advice? I appreciate any help. The engine did run well and the oil pressure did stay up.

 

[Irun]

You couldn't have a 2009 TJ. They stopped making the TJ in 2006.

 

[CharlesHS]

I have a 2009 TJ with 2.4L engine. A few weeks ago it was leaking some coolant and I replaced the radiator and flushed the cooling system. The cooling system kept loosing coolant and no leak was detected. It became hard to start and last week I noticed white smoke when it stated which soon went away. A couple of times the oil pressure did not come up on start, but instantly came up when cut off and restarted. A couple of times it ran hot but the temperature came down when I turned the heater on. I added water when it cooled down and the temperature stayed normal.

Yesterday my worst suspicions were realized. I pulled the dipstick and found water in the oil. I immediately parked it. Today I drained the oil and some water came out before the oil. I suspect that the head gasket is blown. My question is: Did the water possibly do any damage to the engine? Can i just replace the head gasket, or is the engine trashed? Tomorrow I am going to pull the filter and put some fresh oil to hopefully prevent any rust issues. Does anyone have any advice? I appreciate any help. The engine did run well and the oil pressure did stay up.

IF you are sure that the engine is a 2.4L; then your Jeep TJ is a 03-06.

 

[Irun]

IF you are sure that the engine is a 2.4L; then your Jeep TJ is a 03-06.

I'm guessing it's a 2006, with a head gasket issue.

 

[Wheeler]

So now that we’ve cleared up that the OP put in the wrong year when asking for help, what’s the general consensus on the water in the oil issue?

 

[Irun]

So now that we’ve cleared up that the OP put in the wrong year when asking for help, what’s the general consensus on the water in the oil issue?

As I stated, it's likely a head gasket issue. Worst case scenario, a cracked head or block. To the OP, you should be able to just replace the head gasket. I'd certainly replace the plugs and drop the oil pan to ensure you clean out any residual sludge. I'd also get the head checked to make sure there are no cracks and that it is flat.

 

[TheBoogieman]

So now that we’ve cleared up that the OP put in the wrong year when asking for help, what’s the general consensus on the water in the oil issue?

It shouldn't be there.

 

[Corvairdan]

Sorry, typo: It's a 2006 TJ.

 

[Corvairdan]

Thanks for the advice. It might be a few weeks until. I get a chance to tear it down and take the head off. I'll pull the oil pan in the mean time. Will the residual moisture cause any problems in the mean time? If so, is there any good way to get it out? Are there any specific things I need to know about taking the head off? What is the best repair manual?

I also collect Chevrolet Corvairs. They're air cooled, so they don't have this issue: LOL =]

 

[Irun]

What is the best repair manual?

FSM
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ice-manuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/

 

[Irun]

Will the residual moisture cause any problems in the mean time? If so, is there any good way to get it out?

Really depends on how long you leave it sit. I'd pull the plugs and turn over the engine, to see if any water comes out of the cylinders. If it does, I'd pump it out, by removing the fuel pump fuse and cranking the engine until you're satisficed you have the water out, The pour some transmission fluid or oil into the cylinders, put the plugs back in, crank it some more, and leave it sit. FWIW, this is an old trick for vehicles that are going to sit for a while. It helps keep any major rust from forming on the cylinder walls and the rings from seizing.

 

[Corvairdan]

Thanks for the advice That is what I was looking for. Should the lower engine, crank and bearings be ok?

 

[Fishtaco]

In my experience (not TJ) a blown gasket usually results in gasses/oil in the cooling system and a cracked head causes water in the oil, not always but either can be the problem.

 

[Fishtaco]

Thanks for the advice That is what I was looking for. Should the lower engine, crank and bearings be ok?

If the oil hasn't "Milkshaked" or gone cloudy cream coloured you should be fine you just need to do an engine flush after fix, not sure how the water didnt mix with the oil when it has been run so many times?