Expert: jack bahm - 8/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: Have a Model A with coolant contamination in the crankcase

What are the possible sources?

ANSWER: A cracked block, but I hope it is just a broken head gasket.  Pull the head and look around.  The head will be hard to get off, but stick with it and take your time and it will come off.  Pick up a copy of the Model A mechanic's handbook by Les Andrews.  Great book and it will help you fix your car.  About $35 from any of the parts suppliers or MARC.
Good luck.
jack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am hoping it tis the head gasket --- but is there a particular area the block is prone to crack? [the cooling system has anti-freeze mixture in it, so it didn't freeze crzck]

Answer
I would look in the cylinders near the top to start with.  If you can get the head off without tearing up the gasket, you will be able to see where the break is, if there is one.  
a crack in the block would have to be somewhere between the water jacket and the oil pan.  That would usually go through the cylinder wall.
If you can, check the compression in each cyl. before you pull the head.
If it is the gasket, you should have a low reading on one of the cyl.  
I assume you are losing a lot of water.  If you can't tell, and just get a little in the oil, I would first check the torque on the head bolts and keep driving it for a while.  Maybe that is all it needs.  If it runs good, maybe it should get a little worse before you start trying to pull the head.
Good luck.
jack