Engine
4 Answers
Hornet_2497 answered 5 years ago
Engines are made of metal and if left with water in the cooling system, the water will freeze and expand with enough force to crack the block and/or the head(s). Many times a head can crack from severe overheating or just a bad (weak) design. In the case of a cracked head, you can get a replacement and be good as new. But a cracked block can not normally be repaired and the engine has to be replaced.
Hornet_2497 answered 5 years ago
That stuff on the cloth looks like sludge that collects inside the valve covers of an engine not being run long enough to get hot. Sludge is a mixture (emulsion) of oil and water. Water vapor from engine blow by collects in the coolest part of the engine. Check your PCV valve to see if it is breathing properly. Run the hottest recommended thermostat for your engine. It does not necessarily mean your engine has cracked.
Hornet_2497 I was hoping for someone to say no. It is freezing here. I will look into the to thermostat
Js08016 I do have an oil breather it actually goes to the valve cover in the picture. I will purchase a new one.