Coolant in oil 273

Anything is possible as far as a water leak into the crank case from the water pump bolts - but I would imagine only if the cover is really really bad.

Changing the topic a little - I bought a set of .030 pistons for a 273 from a guy who rebuilt his - started it and tore it apart after one minute running - because of water in the oil. Turns out the water got in somehow around the water jacket near the oil filter. You might check there for casting flaws -

I dont have any of the old style covers - using the one i have, sorry -

I'd look in the swap meet section on this site or over on moparts.com for one.

Good hunting -