2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

oil in my coolant reservior tank

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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 11:17 PM
  #1  
chnsx7's Avatar
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oil in my coolant reservior tank

hello, i've recently noticed that there is oil mixed in with my coolant tank reservior.
instead of being the green/blue coolant it is some sludge looking dark green/black junk in there.
and there has always been a small coolant/oil leak

i opened up the radiator cap and it looks perfeectly fine.

car starts and runs like it always does but my questions are

1. how serious is my situation?

2. think its time for a coolant flush/fill, it's been a while

3. I hope my seals did not fail.
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 09:51 AM
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Aaron Cake's Avatar
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It could just be gunk. Algae and other stuff forms in the coolant. Before assuming the engine is bad, just flush the system out.
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 10:13 AM
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if it was engine failure it would be twice as bad in the radiator it would not just be contained to the reservoir... im with him just clean it out
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 03:22 PM
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To keep the engine running a long time you should flush the coolant and replace the thermostat (with an OEM one) every 12-18 months anyway. And also do the other 50 maintenance items on schedule of course. It's cheap insurance. Stopping at oil changes is for stupid americans. A bad cooling system, for one, is 10 times more likely to cause serious problems.
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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ITSWILL's Avatar
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yeah i think you blew your head gasket...... JK
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