Water in oil filter VT555m

[Liambennett]

Hi all,
Tried to start my VT555m today after 2 weeks and on start up I noticed low pressure compared to normal around 4 bar and rapidly dropping. Shut it down straight away.
Engine sounded fine, checked the sender and the mechanical gauge and tried another start. Same pressure.
Removed the oil filter and water came out not coolant still plenty of oil in the bottom of the filter.
Dip stick looks ok.
Obviously water getting in somewhere.
Any ideas ?
Engine has been running really well.

 

[Mac2]

Where are you located? Wondering if your engine was exposed to freezing temperatures.

 

[Liambennett]

Thanks Mac2, in Australia so no issues there.
Starting to think it may be an oil cooler issue.

 

[Mac2]

Thanks Mac2, in Australia so no issues there.
Starting to think it may be an oil cooler issue.

That would be a good place to start for sure. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Lepke]

Depending on how long the filter has been in use, it's common to find an ounce (28.5 ml) or more in the filter. Especially in humid and tropical places.
A long time ago I spent a lot of time in Vietnam. The engines I used always had some water. The filters are designed to let any separated oil stay in the bottom of the filter. If oil changes are far apart, lots of water can accumulate.

 

[Mac2]

Depending on how long the filter has been in use, it's common to find an ounce (28.5 ml) or more in the filter. Especially in humid and tropical places.
A long time ago I spent a lot of time in Vietnam. The engines I used always had some water. The filters are designed to let any separated oil stay in the bottom of the filter. If oil changes are far apart, lots of water can accumulate.

Great info! I’ve never heard of that before, but it makes sense when you consider the amount of humid air being ingested by the engines.

 

[Lepke]

I miss typed. Separated water stays in the bottom.

 

[rgano]

I am interested in your description of the oil on the dipstick as normal because water getting into the sump oil usually results in a tan milkshake, yet you have water clear up into the oil filter that did not emulsify the oil.

 

[C lectric]

I will suggest that you take and send in an oil sample to determine positively whether you have water or fuel in the filter. Yes, I also have a Cummins V555 engine.
I have been through this with the fuel leaking past one of more injectors. I was tipped off also by low oil pressure.
I am not suggesting you are mistaken but be sure or you may be fixing the wrong problem.

 

[Liambennett]

I am interested in your description of the oil on the dipstick as normal because water getting into the sump oil usually results in a tan milkshake, yet you have water clear up into the oil filter that did not emulsify the oil.

I believe the failure of the elbow happened whilst the engine was shut down for a couple of weeks. The sea cock was closed.
I found that water from the cooling hose off the dripless seal was allowing water into the heat exchanger.
With the suspected crack / hole in the elbow allowing water into the exhaust system

 

[Liambennett]

I will suggest that you take and send in an oil sample to determine positively whether you have water or fuel in the filter. Yes, I also have a Cummins V555 engine.
I have been through this with the fuel leaking past one of more injectors. I was tipped off also by low oil pressure.
I am not suggesting you are mistaken but be sure or you may be fixing the wrong problem.

Dealt with that very problem last year ! Ended up snapping an injector push rod
Its 100% water this time

 

[C lectric]

I can't find it but someone mentioned the engine OIL COOLER. Yes, check that also as they can leak as gaskets, seals fail. When facing the engine they are hiding under the cylinder head on your L.H. side. At least on mine, a N/A aspirated unit.

I don't think seals and gaskets are available through Cummins any longer . Were not when I asked a few years ago but ask regardless. Some one may have them stashed and willing to sell.
O rings should be available from auto parts shops, truck repair shops, small industrial supply shops.

THe gaskets you should be able to cut yourself once you get a suitable material. Take a decent sized gasket sample with you or just take the cooler itself in pieces.