Engine oil mixed with coolant, in the cooling system, is very common. Especially, after a blown or leaking head gasket.
So, you opened your coolant tank or the radiator cap, and see that the coolant and oil have mixed.
Oil mixed with coolant is bad, no matter where it has happened. Before replacing any parts, you should be sure that no one added engine oil, in the coolant tank by mistake.
Consequently, there two really good reason, that you should never have oil mixed with coolant:
- Oil, is a lubricant that is used, to make sure all the moving parts of your engine spin freely.
- Coolant, is used to keep the temperatures of the engine steady, and within a certain range.
In certain situations, cleaning the engine oil mixed with coolant, without removing all the cooling system components may be successful.
But, before you go any further, you need to find out, why this has happened. Next, you need to make all the necessary repairs, to stop a repeat failure. So, there are some issues that are more common than others, here are some common causes.
Common Causes, Of Engine Oil Mixed With Coolant, In The Cooling System:
- A broken or damaged head gasket, is the leading cause of the mixing of the two fluids.
- Damaged radiator that has separation, for transmission cooler.
- Damage to the cylinder head is another main reason, for the mixing of these fluids. A cracked cylinder head is usually, the result of engine overheating.
- Damage to the engine block is uncommon. But, it too can lead to the mixing of fluid. A damaged or cracked engine block contains several movable parts (that use oil). Damage to the engine block, can cause oil mixed with coolant.
- Water entering the exhaust pipe or engine air intake can occur at times. It might be while driving your vehicle thru streams, rivers, or other bodies of water. Damage can occur if water enters your engine, and causes it to hydro-lock.
- Damage to a turbocharger or its cooler, can also result in fluids mixing.
Cleaning Tips, For Engine Oil Mixed With Coolant, In The Cooling System
So, what you want to do is basically, an engine coolant flush, without the harsh chemicals. A coolant flush, is also referred to as a cooling system service, or radiator flush. Consequently, the process of adding a cleaner to the cooling system to remove, sediment, rust, or oil. Anything that can contaminate the cooling system, will have a negative impact on its function.
For The Most Effective Results, Follow These Steps:
- Prepare a mixture of dishwasher detergent and hot water ( Some people will use a Vinegar mixture ). Use a rate of two ounces (dry measurement) of detergent, to one gallon of clean water. Also, make sure to mix enough solution to be able to fill, the entire cooling system.
- Next, fill the cooling system from the highest point possible. Therefore, letting air bleed to maximize the fill effort.
- Start and run the engine, for a period of five minutes. Then, stop the engine, and drain the entire cooling system.
- Repeat this procedure with fresh solution, until all traces of oil mixed with coolant have been removed.
- After all traces of oil have been removed, fill the entire system again with clean water. ( Some people will use a Vinegar Mixture ). Start and run the engine, for another five minute period.
- Stop the engine and allow ample time for the water to drain completely, from the entire cooling system.
- Finally, fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and clean water. Always, make certain to use only antifreeze recommended by, your particular engine manufacturer.
- Because, failure to use the appropriate antifreeze or coolant, may result in engine component deterioration. Also, mixing incompatible coolants may also provide, undesirable cooling system effectiveness, and result in failures.
Conclusion
So, coolant and engine oil, are two completely different liquids. Both serve a different purpose, which is why oil mixed with coolant, should never happen. The reason behind it relies on both, the liquids’ chemical properties.
Oil is a thick viscous substance, while coolant is water like. Consequently, the engine relies completely on oil for lubrication, which engine coolant cannot offer. Finally, that should make it clear that oil and coolant, should not mix together.
BY DANNY BENDER
