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318 detroit 8v71 water in oil troubleshooting

7.6K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  71orNone  
#1 ·
I'm looking at an International 4070a with 318 detroit but the owner stated it had water in the oil. It's been a decade since I was elbow deep in a 71 series and even then mostly 671, only one 8v71. If memory serves, the most common cause was the figure 8 head gasket or crack near injector tubes. Not having experience on the big V, what is the best route for troubleshooting this bug? Thanks in advance for your consideration.
 
#3 ·
Been awhile here also. Drop the oil pan and pressurize the cooling system. Can come from the sides of the block from the head/block seals, front of the engine from a plugged water pump weep hole, also down the inside of the flywheel housing from the air compressor. Also from the injector cups under the rocker covers. And of course the oddball thing of a cracked block alongside the liner.
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the response. I think for $1,500 I'll go look at the truck. Heck, I'd most likely get that for crushing if too much to repair. I have a lead on a running '74 CO7040B with 238 detroit for $3,500. I just love the sound of the detroits. Growing up, my dad ran a mobile feed mill with a 4-71 power unit and that sound is forever engraved in my head jelly. I'm trying to find an old truck to haul my Corvairs to car shows for cheap.