1972 240Z, L28 engine and head.  Looks like I've got water in my oil.  Before I rip into the top end, is there any other source for water in the pan other than a blown head gasket?

I appreciate any advice.  Thank you.

Cracked head, corroded/cracked front cover, condensation.  How much water?  How long have you had the engine?

Thanks for the reply.  I've had the engine 25 years, 20 years pretty much in storage.  Got it road worthy a year ago.  It overheated on a hot day a few weeks ago.  Today, I noticed steam coming from the valve cover vent and checked the oil.   It was milky brown when running.  I drained it.  Looked like watery oil.  Not much water to speak of, but some.  Its garaged, so I'm not sure that any water could come from an outside source.  It's such a big project to do the gasket, I was just wondering if there could be another source.  Like a leaky water pump or something easier.  Probably wishful thinking.

If it overheated, I agree with Zed, it's probably a head issue...aluminum heads don't like being overheated...

I hate to admit it, but you guys are probably right.  Any reason to go with the motorsport auto metal gasket for $200 or just do the regular gasket?

You need to get the head checked closely if you blew the head gasket due to heat. It could be cracked or warped and may need decking. I am unfamiliar with that metal head gasket...

Metal gasket won't do much but cost more and won't fix any overheating issue. Get head checked by a qualified machinist / engine builder


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I have used Cometics metal gaskets on a Chevy v-8. The main advantage I have seen is they are usually reuseable unlike traditional gaskets. Not a big deal if you aren't running a lot of compression or tearing down your motor all the time for "freshening"... 

Your engine over heated for a reason, before it all goes back together make sure you find the cause.

Thank you all for the responses!  Good advice.