Car Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
Troubleshooting
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Engine Oil in Coolant GM 3.0 V6
Engine Oil in Coolant or Radiator GM 3.0 Liter V6
When engine oil is present inside the cooling system (radiator) it can be bad
news. It could mean that the engine has a cracked block, head or blown head
gasket, but don't condemn the engine so fast. Some cars are designed with an
engine oil cooler that allows radiator coolant to run through it to aid cooling
the oil for longer engine life. When the oil cooler fails it allows engine oil
to enter the cooling system. You might ask, "if the cooler has failed wouldn't
coolant get in the oil?" the answer is no because
the cooling system is under 16 to 18 P.S.I. and it takes a few minutes to arrive
at this pressure as the engine warms up to operating temperature. The engine oil
pressure is about 45 P.S.I. as soon as the engine is started and will push
engine oil into the cooling system. The GM V6 3.0 liter engine has a problem
with their oil cooler allowing this condition. This engine design is featured in
Saturn and Cadillac products. If the engine has not been overheated and has
relatively low miles you could still have this condition. Testing for this
condition is difficult, the cooler needs to be removed and pressurized under
water to detect a leak. To remove the engine oil cooler on the GM 3.0 liter V6
you will need to remove the intake manifold. The cost for the oil cooler is
approximately $450.00 for the part and gaskets, with about 4.0 hrs labor, but it
sure beats replacing the engine, also make sure to use GM sealant when
reassembling. If you replace the engine without the cooler you will have the
same problem.
GM V6 3.0 Liter Engine Oil Cooler Replacement
For exact specific repair procedures for any of the steps above visit our
online repair
manual page.
Troubleshooting
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Engine Oil in Coolant GM 3.0 V6
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Oil in Coolant Questions and Answers
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