Water intrusion in #2, 4 and 6

[Markus]

Just rebuilt a 2.5 260. Took it to the river to idle on the trailer.

Looking at the plugs after a few minutes of idle, there are clear signs of water on plug #2, 4 and 6. #1, 3 and 5 look normal.

So, water intrusion gurus, why does a water leak occur already at 700 rpm idle on one bank? I must have messed something up really bad when assembling...

[trashy]

I'm by no means a guru, but I'll take a guess. Head gasket and/or exhaust divider gasket?

[us1]

If it in all three cylinders I would look at the exhaust divider.

[Markus]

Thanks.

I'll check next week-end.

[us1]

Look for a possible crack in the divider too. Good luck finding it.:cool:

[Markus]

Look for a possible crack in the divider too. Good luck finding it.:cool:

Thanks. This is a new (for me) divider that I bought used. I will look at it carefully.

[Markus]

Nothing unusual in exhaust chest and divider. Both sides looking the same with lots of fuel residue but no signs of water. A single little crack in the block in the usual place.

I will run it in the water before doing anything else, but I guess the head gasket is now a prime suspect.

[us1]

I don't think the head gasket would leak on all three cylinders but it is possible if the block is badly warped.

[Steve Pope]

Is the engine running on all 6 cylinders.If the # 2 4 6 are not firing those cylinders will be cold enough to cause condensation and leave water droplets on the plugs. Steve

[Markus]

Brought it to the river again this morning and ran it on the trailer.

No sign of water on the plugs anymore...

Let's hope it stays that way.

[us1]

Sounds like it could have been a bad divider gasket.