Sump filled with coolant

[andrew767767]

Hi I recently aquired a Ruby non-runner
I was able to get it to start for a few seconds but when draining the engine oil found more coolant than oil!. Could someone advise the most common cause of this I am guessing head gasket?

[Nick Lettington]

It may be corrosion between the water jacket and cylinder bores.

[Ruairidh Dunford]

Head gasket is the most likely cause, then again, it is an Austin Seven...

[andrew767767]

Thanks for your help have removed the head. Seems like it needs skimming as corrosion around the water holes. No signs of leaking water jacket thank goodness!

[Mark R]

A friend's Ulster replica had a leaky side water branch and the water dribbled from there onto the top face of the crankcase and found its way into the sump, I can't quite remember how now, I seem to remember down the dipstick hole but it's another option, most unlikely but worth considering.