Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

freemonty · 01-08-2014, 05:19 PM

It's really cold here in Chicago (negative 15deg) and I tried to start my 71 Chevy C10 pickup (350cu) yesterday and it turned over, sounded terrible and ran for 10 secs then shutoff. It was clunky and really rough. Tried a couple times, same thing and I gave up. Then today I noticed underneath the truck that it crapped a bunch of oil, a whole bunch and it looks like it came right from the oil filter. I decided to change the oil to see if anything happened and sure enough, I got a little bit of milkiness. I didn't notice any issues with the block when I was under the truck and the oil filter looked to be intact when I removed it, so I don't know where the oil came from. The coolant level was OK when I checked it. The oil on the ground was a significant amount, though I still got several quarts out when I drained it. The biggest oil spot was directly under the oil filter and then it spattered backwards (as the fan blew it towards the rear of the truck).

What happened to my truck? I put fresh oil in there, but I'm afraid to try to start it again. It was running great before this.

Tropical Snowstorm · 01-08-2014, 05:22 PM

Could have cracked the block if the coolant/water mixture froze in there. Doesn't sound too good either way, hope it's not too bad of a fix.

freemonty · 01-08-2014, 05:24 PM

How do I know if it's cracked? Apart from seeing an actual crack...

mrolds88 · 01-08-2014, 05:28 PM

Maybe blew an oil plug out of the back of the block. Aren't some of them press in? Or maybe blew the seal on the oil filter?

LF_MN_71GMC · 01-08-2014, 05:44 PM

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...eze_Plugs.aspx

HOPE.

JointTech · 01-08-2014, 05:51 PM

hmm. freeze plugs are only for coolant arent they? he was puking oil. Does oil freeze? -15 is dang cold. i thought you guys all have heating blankets or something for your engines up there.

White70C20 · 01-08-2014, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JointTech

hmm. freeze plugs are only for coolant arent they? he was puking oil. Does oil freeze? -15 is dang cold. i thought you guys all have heating blankets or something for your engines up there.

I'm from Iowa, and sadly no, only a few are lucky enough to have heated garages or block heaters.

463 · 01-08-2014, 06:10 PM

Oil 101: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

Mathew21 · 01-08-2014, 05:53 PM

Was your antifreeze mixed properly?

mrolds88 · 01-08-2014, 06:02 PM

While oil won't "freeze" at those temps, it does get real thick. Thick oil builds more pressure more quickly and it doesn't move through the relief valve as quickly either. My Sis in law once had a skylark with a 455 in it. Went out on one cold day, cranked it up and proceeded to twist off the oil pump driveshaft (or the drive end of the gear).

**VetteVet** · 01-08-2014, 06:34 PM

There's a small oil pressure port plug just over the filter that might be leaking and there is a plug just behind the camshaft below the distributor but I've never heard of one blowing out.
What weight oil did you have in the engine?

67ChevyRedneck · 01-08-2014, 06:53 PM

I was going to say glad you decided to join, but you're already a member! I suggested this site from vintage-mustangs.

zeldman · 01-08-2014, 07:19 PM

Get it inside somewhere and warm it up and check it. Might be something as simple as a busted oil filter, or the seal.

*Fitz* · 01-08-2014, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freemonty

It's really cold here in Chicago (negative 15deg) and I tried to start my 71 Chevy C10 pickup (350cu) yesterday and it turned over, sounded terrible and ran for 10 secs then shutoff. It was clunky and really rough. Tried a couple times, same thing and I gave up. Then today I noticed underneath the truck that it crapped a bunch of oil, a whole bunch and it looks like it came right from the oil filter. I decided to change the oil to see if anything happened and sure enough, I got a little bit of milkiness. I didn't notice any issues with the block when I was under the truck and the oil filter looked to be intact when I removed it, so I don't know where the oil came from. The coolant level was OK when I checked it. The oil on the ground was a significant amount, though I still got several quarts out when I drained it. The biggest oil spot was directly under the oil filter and then it spattered backwards (as the fan blew it towards the rear of the truck).

What happened to my truck? I put fresh oil in there, but I'm afraid to try to start it again. It was running great before this.

Sounds like the low temps caused the oil viscosity to go up and when you started it the pressure went through the roof. the oil pressure relief is likely not working and something burst...like the oil filter gasket or the filter itself. Either way, that motor isn't getting any lubrication. Get it inside and open it up.

REFAK · 01-08-2014, 07:59 PM

I would guess that you are running a heavier weight oil and like previous posts stated, cold oil equals thick oil and you probably blew the seal on the oil filter. If the oil in the filter is too thick to flow, oil from the pump can not go through the filter. Some filters have a bypass function to prevent this.

freemonty · 01-08-2014, 08:42 PM

Alright ladies and gents, after further inspection nothing looks amiss from the exterior except my dipstick is a bit askew. I'm surprised nobody mentioned the fact that the dipstick is just fore of the filter! So here's my theory: the thick cold oil built up too much pressure (by the way, I'm running 10w30) and it's first escape route was the dipstick tube! I pressed in the dipstick tube myself about 6 months ago. This got me wondering why there was some milkiness in the oil and then I remembered that I seemed to need to put more antifreeze in the last few months. That's purely anecdotal because I sure as hell don't measure my coolant usage. So it's possible that in the last few months I blew a gasket or something more minor and just hadn't noticed yet.

Your thoughts??

**truckster** · 01-08-2014, 08:48 PM

If the oil is milky you need to find the cause before you run the engine. Antifreeze is a very poor lubricant, and you will toast your bearings before you realize it.

sean1969c10 · 01-08-2014, 09:04 PM

The oil gallery plugs on the back of the block and over the oil filter are all pipe threaded plugs, they won't blow out. The only pressed in oil gallery plugs in a small block chevy are under the timing cover, under the #5 main cap and sometimes there is a thick pressed in plug under the driver side head on toward the back of the block.

Your best bet might be to do a cooling system pressure test. You might be able to rent the tool at a local auto parts store. Hope its a minor issue like condensation and a blown out oil filter seal. Good luck!!

freemonty · 01-09-2014, 02:48 PM

I'm going to test the coolant system pressure and the coolant tonight. What is the specification for the coolant system pressure? My uncle guessed that it was like 6-10psi or something low like that, but he couldn't remember.

Zable49 · 01-09-2014, 03:10 PM

I have always tested my coolant systems to the setting on the radiator cap, but a good round number would be 14 to 15. While its at that pressure, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to make sure you dont have a slow leakdown.

flyingtim01 · 01-09-2014, 04:56 PM

Are you sure the little bit of milkiness isn't just condensation?

freemonty · 01-09-2014, 06:41 PM

It is possibly just condensation, it certainly wasn't a whole lot, but I'll let you guys know what I find with my tests tonight.

54blackhornet · 01-09-2014, 07:02 PM

Do you really drive your truck in temps of -15 ? If so a you are the MAN !

ulakovic22 · 01-09-2014, 07:12 PM

Do you actually drive the truck or is it an extra car that you just drive occasionally for fun and to keep everything running? If you are able to wait until it warms up that would be your best bet cause I would hate to have to do a leakdown test on an engine in -15* weather. Maybe get it into the garage?

If it ran great before this, I would blame it on the cold and thick oil. You need to get it warmed up somehow so you can try to start it up and get good oil pressure. Hopefully the 10 minutes you ran it with molassus in the engine didn't mess something up.

long'n low · 01-09-2014, 07:17 PM

I'm used to -40f, while 10-30 is thicker it won't hurt anything at -15. Not ideal as you will have increased wear on start up compaired to 5-30 or 0-30.

I if it was just a bit of milkiness on the dipstick it is probably condensation.

You should check your mixture of antifreeze. 50-50 is good but you'd be ok at 40:60 antifreeze to water. can pick up a cheap tool or take a sample into a shop.

What we do up here in the north is through a propane torch in a pice of 6" or 8" stove pipe put the end of the pipe right under the engine (any pipe that the torch will fit in will work) and through a tarp over the hood and warm it up, MAKE sure no flames are comming out of the stove pipe!

That trick is usualy reserved for the tractor for clearing snow but I have used it on some trucks i've needed to move.

01-08-2014, 05:19 PM	#1
freemonty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? It's really cold here in Chicago (negative 15deg) and I tried to start my 71 Chevy C10 pickup (350cu) yesterday and it turned over, sounded terrible and ran for 10 secs then shutoff. It was clunky and really rough. Tried a couple times, same thing and I gave up. Then today I noticed underneath the truck that it crapped a bunch of oil, a whole bunch and it looks like it came right from the oil filter. I decided to change the oil to see if anything happened and sure enough, I got a little bit of milkiness. I didn't notice any issues with the block when I was under the truck and the oil filter looked to be intact when I removed it, so I don't know where the oil came from. The coolant level was OK when I checked it. The oil on the ground was a significant amount, though I still got several quarts out when I drained it. The biggest oil spot was directly under the oil filter and then it spattered backwards (as the fan blew it towards the rear of the truck). What happened to my truck? I put fresh oil in there, but I'm afraid to try to start it again. It was running great before this.

01-08-2014, 05:22 PM	#2
Tropical Snowstorm Lurky lurky Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 553	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Could have cracked the block if the coolant/water mixture froze in there. Doesn't sound too good either way, hope it's not too bad of a fix. __________________ Current slooooow build 1972 Cheyenne Super 1972 C10, sold thread 1970 Camaro RS Family Heirloom

01-08-2014, 05:24 PM	#3
freemonty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? How do I know if it's cracked? Apart from seeing an actual crack...

01-08-2014, 05:28 PM	#4
mrolds88 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: WV Posts: 946	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Maybe blew an oil plug out of the back of the block. Aren't some of them press in? Or maybe blew the seal on the oil filter? __________________ 72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD

01-08-2014, 05:51 PM	#6
JointTech Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 1,856	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? hmm. freeze plugs are only for coolant arent they? he was puking oil. Does oil freeze? -15 is dang cold. i thought you guys all have heating blankets or something for your engines up there. __________________ 72 C20 Long Bed SB350 TH400 14 bolt rear end Extremely boring build thread

01-08-2014, 05:44 PM	#5
LF_MN_71GMC Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Isanti, mn Posts: 177	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...eze_Plugs.aspx HOPE. __________________ 1971 GMC 4x4 half ton np 205 1969 chevrolet camaro 1984 K10; 4" lift; sbc; Build link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=647172

01-08-2014, 06:10 PM	#8
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Oil 101: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/ __________________ Trueman

01-08-2014, 05:53 PM	#9
Mathew21 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton township, MI Posts: 1,192	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Was your antifreeze mixed properly?

01-08-2014, 06:02 PM	#10
mrolds88 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: WV Posts: 946	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? While oil won't "freeze" at those temps, it does get real thick. Thick oil builds more pressure more quickly and it doesn't move through the relief valve as quickly either. My Sis in law once had a skylark with a 455 in it. Went out on one cold day, cranked it up and proceeded to twist off the oil pump driveshaft (or the drive end of the gear). __________________ 72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD

01-08-2014, 06:34 PM	#11
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,718	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? There's a small oil pressure port plug just over the filter that might be leaking and there is a plug just behind the camshaft below the distributor but I've never heard of one blowing out. What weight oil did you have in the engine? __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

01-08-2014, 06:53 PM	#12
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? I was going to say glad you decided to join, but you're already a member! I suggested this site from vintage-mustangs. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

01-08-2014, 07:19 PM	#13
zeldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Rt 66 Gallup, NM Posts: 527	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Get it inside somewhere and warm it up and check it. Might be something as simple as a busted oil filter, or the seal. __________________ 2005 GMC K2500HD D/A 1993 GMC K1500 2011 Subaru Legacy. 2013 Subaru Outback 1970 C-10 2WD, SWB stepside, 292, TH350, PS, more rust than anything. God is my pilot.

01-08-2014, 07:59 PM	#15
REFAK Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Chugiak, Alaska Posts: 1	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? I would guess that you are running a heavier weight oil and like previous posts stated, cold oil equals thick oil and you probably blew the seal on the oil filter. If the oil in the filter is too thick to flow, oil from the pump can not go through the filter. Some filters have a bypass function to prevent this.

01-08-2014, 08:42 PM	#16
freemonty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Alright ladies and gents, after further inspection nothing looks amiss from the exterior except my dipstick is a bit askew. I'm surprised nobody mentioned the fact that the dipstick is just fore of the filter! So here's my theory: the thick cold oil built up too much pressure (by the way, I'm running 10w30) and it's first escape route was the dipstick tube! I pressed in the dipstick tube myself about 6 months ago. This got me wondering why there was some milkiness in the oil and then I remembered that I seemed to need to put more antifreeze in the last few months. That's purely anecdotal because I sure as hell don't measure my coolant usage. So it's possible that in the last few months I blew a gasket or something more minor and just hadn't noticed yet. Your thoughts??

01-08-2014, 08:48 PM	#17
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,976	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? If the oil is milky you need to find the cause before you run the engine. Antifreeze is a very poor lubricant, and you will toast your bearings before you realize it.



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01-08-2014, 09:04 PM	#18
sean1969c10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Powhatan, Va. Posts: 376	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? The oil gallery plugs on the back of the block and over the oil filter are all pipe threaded plugs, they won't blow out. The only pressed in oil gallery plugs in a small block chevy are under the timing cover, under the #5 main cap and sometimes there is a thick pressed in plug under the driver side head on toward the back of the block. Your best bet might be to do a cooling system pressure test. You might be able to rent the tool at a local auto parts store. Hope its a minor issue like condensation and a blown out oil filter seal. Good luck!! __________________ Sean "If your gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough" 1960 Chevy Impala Sedan - my 25 year search is over!! 1969 C-10 longbed - Nice day DD 1970 Chevy Nova - Street and Strip Project 2002 Acura MDX my DD 2007 Honda Odssey - My Wife's "Mommy Van"

01-09-2014, 02:48 PM	#19
freemonty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? I'm going to test the coolant system pressure and the coolant tonight. What is the specification for the coolant system pressure? My uncle guessed that it was like 6-10psi or something low like that, but he couldn't remember.

01-09-2014, 03:10 PM	#20
Zable49 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lacey, Wa Posts: 181	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? I have always tested my coolant systems to the setting on the radiator cap, but a good round number would be 14 to 15. While its at that pressure, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to make sure you dont have a slow leakdown. __________________ 1970 C20 Camper Special SBC350 / TH350 '84 C20 Front Disc Brakes/Control Arms

01-09-2014, 04:56 PM	#21
flyingtim01 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Clinton, CT Posts: 101	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Are you sure the little bit of milkiness isn't just condensation? __________________ 1971 Chevy K20 350/SM465/NP205

01-09-2014, 06:41 PM	#22
freemonty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? It is possibly just condensation, it certainly wasn't a whole lot, but I'll let you guys know what I find with my tests tonight.

01-09-2014, 07:02 PM	#23
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,391	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Do you really drive your truck in temps of -15 ? If so a you are the MAN ! __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

01-09-2014, 07:12 PM	#24
ulakovic22 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lantana, TX Posts: 419	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? Do you actually drive the truck or is it an extra car that you just drive occasionally for fun and to keep everything running? If you are able to wait until it warms up that would be your best bet cause I would hate to have to do a leakdown test on an engine in -15* weather. Maybe get it into the garage? If it ran great before this, I would blame it on the cold and thick oil. You need to get it warmed up somehow so you can try to start it up and get good oil pressure. Hopefully the 10 minutes you ran it with molassus in the engine didn't mess something up. __________________ Anthony '67 Shortstep (555/T56) '67 Parts Truck (TBA)

01-09-2014, 07:17 PM	#25
long'n low Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 51	Re: Help! My truck puked in the cold. Is it dead? I'm used to -40f, while 10-30 is thicker it won't hurt anything at -15. Not ideal as you will have increased wear on start up compaired to 5-30 or 0-30. I if it was just a bit of milkiness on the dipstick it is probably condensation. You should check your mixture of antifreeze. 50-50 is good but you'd be ok at 40:60 antifreeze to water. can pick up a cheap tool or take a sample into a shop. What we do up here in the north is through a propane torch in a pice of 6" or 8" stove pipe put the end of the pipe right under the engine (any pipe that the torch will fit in will work) and through a tarp over the hood and warm it up, MAKE sure no flames are comming out of the stove pipe! That trick is usualy reserved for the tractor for clearing snow but I have used it on some trucks i've needed to move.

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