Oil in coolant?

NismoSER · 01-24-2002, 07:57 PM

I recently changed the thermostat in my car, after reading the effects that Stine experienced in his car. Now, its been less than a year since i last flushed my coolant, but when i drained it this time, the coolant seemed to be tinged with oil.

When it first drained into the container I was using, it was strikingly brown in color, but as it filled up it took the normal greenish hue. After it finished draining, and you looked into the container, it was a medium dark green in the center and along the outer edges it had a darker camouflage green/brown color.

I noticed the valve cover gasket is seeping oil on the edges of the block, so would that be where oil is getting into the coolant? One day I'll get around to changing that gasket, if i feel confident enough to take off the VC.

Otherwise, the car runs strong, goes through about a half quart of oil every 3000 miles or so, should I worry or pursue this problem further? TIA

silversx · 01-24-2002, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NismoSER
One day I'll get around to changing that gasket, if i feel confident enough to take off the VC.

dude, I know what you're saying. I dont know about torque specifications, if they matter on something like a valve cover. I don't have a torque wrench, and I want it to be done right.

NismoSER · 01-24-2002, 08:59 PM

I read somewhere, i think andreas miko posted it once, that he's done 40-50 VC removal/installs with no torque wrench. Then again, that's andreas miko. I am not andreas miko :p

I'll try it in the spring for sh*ts and giggles

playatx99 · 01-24-2002, 09:54 PM

james vick did the VC gasket on my car in about 30 min, and he did not use a torque wrench......... it looked easy enough, i just didnt want to screw with it

RollcageSR20 · 01-24-2002, 11:13 PM

Oil in coolant sounds like a head gasket problem, not valve cover gasket.

NismoSER · 01-25-2002, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RollcageSR20
Oil in coolant sounds like a head gasket problem, not valve cover gasket.

ok, that's NOT what i wanted to hear!

anyway, is this something that should require immediate attention?

01-25-2002, 05:05 AM

dude, you don't need to torque your VC bolts down, just make em nice and tight, a 3/8 ratchet is fine! also, if you have coolant in your oil, or visa-versa, get ready to replace your headgasket, cause that's most definately where your oil is going...just watch your temp! and don't beat on it. if you keep it low RPM's you might be able to make it last longer. go have a radiator/coolant system pressure test, and/or compression test (dry will be fine). it could just be your rings are leaking and oil could be getting into the cylinders. in order to find that out, have a leakdown test done or a wet compression test done right after a dry one. and yes, i would give it immediate attention. BTW, unless you are boosting or squeezing, stock headgaskets are way more than enough unless you overheat it.

Calum · 01-25-2002, 12:56 PM

Oil in coolant is head gasket, but that dosn't sound like oil. Stir it and look for shiny stuff on top of the coolant. Like oil on the ground in a parking lot when it rains, know how theres that rainbow shimmer? If its just brown crap, that sounds like its just been along time since the coolant has been flushed. On old domestics, usually its a sign that something is rusting, like the heater core.

PNWser · 01-25-2002, 03:13 PM

If your oil level is predictible and your car does not overheat DON'T DO ANYTHING!
Just drive it like normal and maintain it and keep and eye on it.
Flush your coolant system really well and put some new coolant in there. Sounds like it is just dirty for whatever reason. If you put tap water in the coolant system and it had alot of impurities, it could make your coolant look very funky after it mixes with the coolant and heats and cool and heats and cools.. and yea, chemical reactions happen and sediments are formed and now you have some funky looking coolant.
Flush the coolant, keep and eye on your oil and coolant level and keep an eye on your temp gauge.

david lau

SmoothDaddyFig · 01-25-2002, 06:48 PM

I did a 91 cam install with no torque wrench.

And that was my first one.
Just dont go being the Incredilbe Hulk on those poor bolts.
dont have a heart attack and be SKERRED of the V/C. HOw else are you going to learn about your car. DIG IN THERE HOMEBOY!!!

this is from Najis website, ( it should help some )

Use the silicone sealant sparingly. Also make sure that you place a dab of silicone on the corners of the semi-circular cutouts in the head of the valve cover gaskets. Just a little dab in the corners of the semi-circular plugs in the valve cover gasket will do it.

NismoSER · 01-25-2002, 08:37 PM

Thanks guys, guess i'll just wait it out. There's oil in the coolant, but the oil looks perfect. I'll buy a compression tester one of these days and check it out. Otherwise, this car couldn't run better if i wanted it to. Gotta love that SR20!!

dgerryts · 01-27-2002, 02:02 PM

Is your Car Auto or 5spd????
If it is auto, the cooler in the rad could be seeping oil into the coolant

NismoSER · 01-27-2002, 02:51 PM

Ugh!

valid question i guess, but yes it is a 5 speed. me no likey automatics