Rough New Years

Went to a cabin this weekend and had a buddy come up Saturday night in a new off-road with 3k. There is an optional creek crossing and with some bad info and judgement he went for it. Truck ended up stuck between the ice banks of the creek. Tried hard to get him out that night but wasn’t going to happen so the truck sat. The next day we were able to recruit help and pull the truck out almost 24 hours later. The truck wouldn’t start and we assumed it was cuz the starter was frozen. Monday we brought a generator and space heater to start dethawing under the hood.
Upon removing the skid plate I noticed oil leaking from what I believe is the oil cooler, right behind the radiator, center of the engine bay and about the same height as the oil pan. It almost looks like a little 2 cycle engine head. I assumed the worst and we decided not to try to start it and had it towed to the dealership. Also, the dipstick was frozen but after it thawed out I was pretty sure I was seeing water particulates on the dipstick. It should be noted there was very little front end cosmetic damage and the skid plate was fine.
I was convinced there’d be water in the engine but the dealer called him today and said everything appeared normal. (Oil was inspected, not changed).
I’ve read enough on here not to trust that opinion. So, other than checking the dipstick, or pulling the plug. How can one verify there is actually water in there?? I don’t want him blowing the motor on his new taco and will try to convince him to get the oil changed.
As you can see from the pics the deepest tire is the front right and my thoughts are ice build up caused the oil leak. If oil can get out, I’d assumed water could get in.

 

Smart.

 

This is why I bought my Taco new

 

I guess now would be a good time to trade it for a brand new one if he got the dealerships seal of approval right?!?

 

Wow, just wow. Why did that even seem like a good idea in the first place? Does your friend have his truck back?

 

Because 4x4. I don't have a 3.5 but if I am not mistaken, the oil cooler is still in front of the radiator driver side.

 

Fer goodness sake. After that debacle he balks at changing the oil?

I'd be changing the differentials as well.

Did it get wet inside too? Pulling seats, carpets/padding for a complete dry out?

 

For $60 or so dollars, changing the oil is pretty cheap insurance

Beat me to it^

 

Did he try crawl control?



Lol

 

Oil change is cheap compared to new engine. He would be wise to go ahead and change it, but I see he is not known for wise choices.
Did the dealer actually find any oil leak, or what was determined what you saw that you thought was a leak?

 

Water particulates could be from you guys thawing it out.
-Does the truck leak oil while its running or not running? Lay under it for a while to see whats up.
-Do your own oil change and see whats coming out.
Highly doubt to much happened. at the most, maybe one of the oil lines might have a puncture from sharp broken ice. Sounds like your friend go lucky.

 

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I've can do a lot of damage too a vehicle. Just the formation of ice around the oil cooler can cause damage just like a frozen pipes in your house. Get an oil drain bucket and drain the engine oil, let the drained oil sit a couple hours, the water will appear as droplets in the settled oil. If you have water in there seek professional help.

 

Your friend should have got the "Nautical Package" to avoid this trouble

 

Gonna call that boy polar bear

 

Pull the oil plug. If there is any water in the oil sump, it will come out first. Water is much heavier than oil. You will know right away.

 

I hear your guys frustration as they’re mine as well. If it were my truck it would be done. I probably won’t have any real updates for you guys until he gets his truck back and I see him.

 

Let's just hope that he doesn't expect any damage to be covered under warranty.

Sorry... couldn't resist.