Slobber valves

[viking1]

Ok, so I need some advice.

My slobber valves were leaking pretty bad, so I bought a kit that collects the oil from the slobber valves, seems to work really well. But here is the concern. I noticed a clear liquid dripping from the collection box. After further investigation I believe it is coolant. At first I thought it was diesel. Either way, I don't think it is normal. So it leads me to the conclusion that there is coolant coming from one or both slobber valves. There is no sign of coolant on the oil dipstick. We have a 250 mile journey home tomorrow. Engine seems to run normal and normal temps. The bus is a 89 MCI 102C3 with a 8V92 Detroit.

Any ideas?

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

viking1,

I suspect it may just be harmless condensation, but watch for other replies as I am not that familiar with Diesel Engines.  Because you live in Palmdale, CA, where it is pretty dry, it may or may not be condensation.  Coolant should be colored and smells as does diesel fuel.  Can you smell either in the liquid?  Also, I believe both will float on the top of oil.  If you can separate it out and look at in a beaker or something clear, it may tell you more.

The other question is how often do you run this engine and has it been wet out there and is this happening when it is wet out there?

This may make it easier for other "real mechanics" to help determine your problem.

Gary

[Scott & Heather]

If you think your slobber tubes are draining something other than fuel/oil, collect some in a clear jar, enough to maybe fill the jar half way full, then let it sit overnight. That will tell you a story


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[luvrbus]

That's not normal the air box drain drip very little oil on a healthy engine,crack heads, leaking head seals, bad cylinder liner o-rings,injector tubes or a leaking after cooler are the only places coolant can leak into air box.
I would rule out the head gasket seal,injector tubes or cracked head since it doesn't lock up trying to start and no coolant in the oil.
It's probably from someone using soap on the liner seals or good old Walmart antifreeze and they have turned to mush.The excess oil dripping is caused by broken , bad oil rings or the wrist pin seals are not sealing that is my take on it.
FWIW the 8v92 is a good engine if done right the first time and it sound like you have work to do LOL those are air box drains guys not friggin "slobber valves or tubes" I sound like Geoff Smith huh  

[Geoff]

Thank you, Cliff.  I'll sit this one out!

--Geoff

[viking1]

Sorry, air box drains. Do you guys think it will be safe to drive it home. Approx 250 milestone?

[luvrbus]

That one is on you,92 series don't like antifreeze in oil are you sure there is no coolant in the oil when they set the oil goes to the top, remove the pan plug and drain about a gal if no coolant is found in the oil I would probably drive home watching the oil if it turns milky I would have it towed   

[Scott & Heather]

Old habits die hard. I've always called them slobber tubes and I know it makes Geoff turn different shades lol.


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[DoubleEagle]

Everything that could come out of the air box from the engine has a distinct color or smell, if it is condensation moisture it should disappear after running it. Just keep an eye on coolant and oil levels and go. Twenty years ago I had a 55 Gal. barrel of 40 weight oil that became contaminated with water because of a loose plug that allowed snow to melt in. When I pumped it in for an oil change I unknowingly added about a gallon of water. When I checked the oil it looked milky and I knew that was not right. I let it set for a few days, and then loosened the drain plug to let out several quarts of water. I waited a few more days and managed to get a little more out. I had to get going, so I decided to run it. After 500 miles the oil looked fine. I did not have a slobber collection can then, but I assume the vapors were either consumed or slobbered out. In your case, if there is any possibility that a larger quantity of water got in the oil, I would try loosening the oil drain plug to see what comes out, but keep a good grip on it.

[luvrbus]

Everything that could come out of the air box from the engine has a distinct color or smell, if it is condensation moisture it should disappear after running it. Just keep an eye on coolant and oil levels and go. Twenty years ago I had a 55 Gal. barrel of 40 weight oil that became contaminated with water because of a loose plug that allowed snow to melt in. When I pumped it in for an oil change I unknowingly added about a gallon of water. When I checked the oil it looked milky and I knew that was not right. I let it set for a few days, and then loosened the drain plug to let out several quarts of water. I waited a few more days and managed to get a little more out. I had to get going, so I decided to run it. After 500 miles the oil looked fine. I did not have a slobber collection can then, but I assume the vapors were either consumed or slobbered out. In your case, if there is any possibility that a larger quantity of water got in the oil, I would try loosening the oil drain plug to see what comes out, but keep a good grip on it.

His is not going to disappear if it's overflowing from the Walker catch can he has problems IMO   

[viking1]

I don't tHink the camp ground would favor me draining a gallon of oil here. Not to mention I don't have a pan or tools with me.

[Geom]

I don't tHink the camp ground would favor me draining a gallon of oil here. Not to mention I don't have a pan or tools with me.

You can probably get away with it if you're discrete. They may not like it, but they'll probably dislike dragging your rig out of there by a tow truck equally
You can pickup an oil catch pan from Wally World or similar. You'll need an empty gallon or two container (old milk or water jugs would work). You really don't need any tools, except for maybe an adjustable wrench. Most/many oil pans have a quick drain plug on the bottom.
You're not trying to empty a gallon of oil, you're trying to check and see if there's water in the oil and if so, how much. Could be a gallon, could be a cup, could be a teaspoon. The amount will decide just how bad your water/coolant/oil situation is and help you make decision on whether to drive it or tow it. 

[Geom]

... or good old Walmart antifreeze and they have turned to mush.

Clifford,
What is it about Walmart antifreeze that'd cause this?
I've been trying to figure out what kind of antifreeze works best in these things and seem to get a variety of different answers.
Isn't Wally World antifreeze just ethylene glycol or is there more to it?
What do you recommend?

[chessie4905]

Do not keep oil drums out in weather where rain can get at them. The warming air temps expands the drum causing pressure to build inside, which exits around plugs that aren't sealing 100%. When the drum cools, it draws air,moisture or water into drum; whatever is around the bungs. Over time, it can be significant. On an open drum, as water contacts the oil, it sinks to the bottom and will start pushing the oil out the top if it is pretty full over time.

[TomC]

Have the air box drain liquid analyzed. That will tell you quickly what is in it.