Engine oil in the radiator.

[2010OWNER]

Hey Guys,
I'm thinking it's going to be expensive. Engine oil is floating in my radiator.
I bought a 410 JD diesel backhoe last September. I think it is around a 1974 model. I have no knowledge of the hoe's history. Engine starts a little hard in cold weather (30 seconds on the starter instead of the usual 5) but other then that sounds and runs well. There is no sign of water around the dipstick or in the engine oil, nor is the oil emulsified in the radiator. Exhaust is clear.
I'm guessing something let loose at the bottom of the cylinder liners. I'm going to double check, but I don't believe there is an engine oil cooler anywhere.
Do you have any insights to offer?
Thanks,
Brian

[CCWKen]

Try to wick or suck it out and see if it returns. I knew a old-timer that used to pour about a cup of oil in his radiator. He said it was to keep the water pump lubed and keep the block from rusting. He didn't use antifreeze. (Deep South Texas) I don't see how it would work but he did it.

Oil in the radiator usually indicates a cracked block, leaking cylinder seal or blown head gasket. Since you don't have a water in the oil (milky look), there doesn't seem to be a "transfer" of fluids.

[2010OWNER]

CCWKen,

Thanks for the reply. I believe I've narrowed it down to the oil cooler. There is no transfer of water to the oil and, according to the John Deere dealer service manager, if I had a blown head gasket or cracked a cylinder liner, water would be showing up in the oil.

Really happy to spend $300 for a new oil cooler rather than $6000 for an engine rebuild.

Brian

[Lavoy]

Oil cooler on a 1010 is for the reverser only, not the engine, just in case you were not aware of that.
Lavoy