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Pellerotto · 10-21-2012, 03:04 PM

I have a 2011 tiffin allegro red and have been having some issues with the engine. Long story short after having the oil changed before our summer trip we ended up breaking down as the oil filter that was inserted was "cracked". The company who changed my oil made sure that I was fully compensated for all of the troubles that were caused without question. They also made sure to offer to fix any issues that might show in the next 10,000 miles as a result of the error. It seems that now I am faced with what I have been told is a cracked freeze plug and as a result had coolant in my oil. My questions is this...Could this have anything to do with the cracked oil filter mishap. I shut down the engine as soon as the red light came on and had it towed so it was not driven far. I was even told at the cummins dealer that more than likely there was not any type of long term damage. I just can't seem to not connect the two events. Also, if the freeze plug is cracked what are the long term consequences of this. I only have 18,000 miles on the engine and I am really worried.

BFlinn181 · 10-21-2012, 04:20 PM

Usually a cracked or leaking freeze plug allows coolant to leak out of the cooling system onto the ground. I fail to see how this could cause coolant to get into the oil. Something sounds funny here but I'd not be laughing.

Midniteoyl · 10-21-2012, 04:27 PM

Agreed. I dont know your engine, but freeze plugs usually do NOT go between coolant and oil areas. They are there to help prevent a cracked block in case your coolant freezes. they are the 'weak links'. Something else is going on.

Pellerotto · 10-21-2012, 04:31 PM

Ok so what are the right questions for me to ask? From what I have read it seems that a cracked block or blown head gasket are the more common issues that cause this problem. Why would I be getting the run around? Just find the problem and fix it. It should still be under warranty.

Midniteoyl · 10-21-2012, 04:34 PM

Water in the oil is usually from what you say - blown head gasket, or cracked block. But, could also be from a warped head. The low oil/over heating could have caused a warped head/blown gasket issue.

Could also be an oil cooler failure.. Do you have one?

What engine is this we are talking about?

How many miles have been driven since the oil incident?

Pellerotto · 10-21-2012, 04:36 PM

I have driven about 400 miles since the oil debacle.

Pellerotto · 10-21-2012, 04:40 PM

340 hp engine.

Midniteoyl · 10-21-2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pellerotto

340 hp engine.

Cummins? If so, the consensus seems to be blown head gasket.. But, look at the oil cooler just in case.

Pellerotto · 10-21-2012, 04:54 PM

Great thanks.

GreaTOne65 · 10-21-2012, 06:40 PM

Hey, Pellerotto, if you have an oil cooler problem, you will know it, the oil pump has way more pressure, than the water pump. If the oil cooler fails, it will fill the radiator with the slimiest mess you have ever seen. So if the radiator doesn't have a oil in it you don't need to worry about the oil cooler.

Pellerotto · 10-21-2012, 06:57 PM

Perfect! I am going to speak with the mechanic tomorrow. His solution to the problem when I spoke to him on Friday was to fix the freeze plug and change the oil. He stated he would change the oil a few times with the expectation that the water would evaporate. He was waiting for cummins to approve the warranty work. I am not sure what to do if he is committed to the freeze plug being the issue. Hopefully fixing it will not alleviate the problem and he will be forced to investigate further.

Sundancer268 · 10-24-2012, 07:15 PM

A common mistake to call the core plugs freeze plugs and believing they will protect the engine from freezing. The "Freeze Plugs" are there to allow the casting sand to be removed from the engine block and heads at the foundry. They got the name freeze plugs from the days of alcohol anti-freeze when some old engines were occasionally protected when they popped out during a freeze event. Many more engines cracked there block even if they popped out. Most core plugs will dump on the ground, BUT some engines also have a core plug inside of the engine that would allow the anti-freeze to enter the non pressurized side of the crankcase. I would be pulling an oil sample and be having it analyzed every few weeks to see if the problem has been corrected. This will show any abnormal wear that is happening from this insistent. This will come in handy if you have an engine failure later and have to fight for warranty repair. You will be able to see any impending failure before it left you stranded. Good luck. Ed

Pellerotto · 10-24-2012, 08:01 PM

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This is exactly what I have learned from the mechanic. He has been very patient with me. He also sent a picture of where theses plugs are located which I have tried to attach. He assured me that because if their location under the valve cover in the cylendar head it was possible that coolant could mix with the engine oil. I will certainly get the oil analyzed regularly just for peace of mind. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me wrap my head around the problem.

BFlinn181 · 10-24-2012, 08:12 PM

Sounds like you're still under warranty. DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. Sounds like your oil change place and Cummins can duke it out over who caused the issue, but it wasn't you. Make sure you have copies of any oil analysis, and if you don't have one, get one so you can track if the issue gets fixed, worse, or whatever.