Got water mixing with crankcase oil.

[bigbassmann]

I have a '96 Ram with 5.2 liter V-8. The problem is I am getting oil and water mixing in the crankcase. I noticed this a few weeks ago but it wasn't too bad but now it is getting worse. The coolant level in the radiator is always full so I couldn't figure out why there was water in the crankcase. Sunday afternoon when I pulled the dipstick to check the oil level, there was milky looking oil again so I popped the rad. cap and stuck my finger in the coolant. and sure enough there was oil in the water.

My thought was that maybe I have a cracked head or a blown head gasket. The truck runs great, no hesitation, great power, never runs hot, idles smooth even when the engine is cold. I have removed the rad. cap and with the engine at idle, I have not seen any bubbles in the radiator.

I talked to a couple of mechanics about the problem and both say that it is the intake manifold gasket. Has anyone else had this problem? Would you agree with the intake gasket being the problem?

I haven't been able to find anyone that can do the work because everyone is booked up for a couple of weeks so I am going to tackle the job myself. What all is involved with this repair? Could someone give me step by step instuctions of what I need to do? I have a Chilton repair manual that tells how to remove and reinstall the intake manifold but it seems a bit skimpy on details. The steps listed in the manual are as follows:
1. Drain the cooloing system and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove alternator and air cleaner.
3. Disconnect accelerator linkage.
4. Depressurize the fuel system and disconnect the fuel line.
5. Remove the distributor cap and wires.
6. Disconnect coil wires, temperature sending unit wire, heater hoses and bypass hose.
7. Remove intake manifold and throttle body as an assembly.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Is it really that simple or is there more to it?

[Chevy808]

It is simple if you've done it before and that list is pretty much to it but if you have'nt done it before......it's still simple. Take your time and put everything back the same way. You might want to replace the sensors since you got it apart. Good Luck!

[snsengineering]

yeah just dont crack a A/c line on the way out especially if you have LP heat in your shop. you will make a gas that u can die from. this just happened a week ago to a good friend of mine.

[mudseeker]

if you have a digital camera take lots of pics to refer to when putting it back together. this saves alot of guess work. also, if you don't have any yet i would suggest buying some small parts trays to keep track of the nuts and bolts, they play hide and seek real good.

[72'CaminoKid]

ice cube trays work for the small parts

[Tucker Oil]

its just like doing an old motor just more junk in the way. don't let that bother you.

I would have a roll of masking tape and a sharpy on hand, for marking plug wires and vacuum line! pictures are very helpful, but you may not be able to see it all. it is always good to have a back up.