97 EX D16Y8
I drained my radiator and discovered a trace of oil in the coolant. I am expecting the worst = head gasket or cracked head or block. My head gasket problems with other cars has always been the other scenario with coolant in the oil. This problem (right now) is not causing coolant in the oil and I don't have steam from the tailpipe....yet. The coolant reservoir is clean and I see no sign of oil when I look in the rad filler neck. Temp gauge is still normal with the needle reading just below 1/2 on the gauge although if it was summer I could have a hotter reading.
Anyway I'm looking for suggestions to test the problem and perhaps from peoples experience how long I have until all hell breaks loose. Is'nt there a test by checking for bubbles in the reservoir ? Also this stuff Steelseal (www.steelseal.com) looks gimicky but I'm wondering if anyone has tried it.
All replys appreciated.

 

love the Blazing Saddles avatar

you sure it was oil cause there is usually a black sludge that gets in there and looks an awful lot like oil.
how much are we talking about?? few drops half a quart??

 

Civictildeath,
I think you are correct and made my day. Also found out that the pan used to catch the coolant may have been pushed over and caught a few drips from the oil drain.
Doh!



Modified by alotawatts at 9:17 PM 2/8/2005