Oil leak into radiator

JM3

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I'm leaking engine oil into the radiator on my 2000 chev lumina. Which gaskets would you replace? Head gasket and lower valve train gasket? The car has 120k on it. I've added Bar's leaks to engine oil and it has slowed the leaking.

thank you
jamie

7 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

If oil is in coolant it could be the oil cooler (if equipped) in radiator.

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Thursday, February 17th, 2011 AT 4:55 PM

MMPRINCE4000

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If not equipped with oil cooler, then start with compression test to check condition of headgaskets.

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Thursday, February 17th, 2011 AT 4:56 PM

JM3

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8 POSTS

It doesn't have an oil cooler. I changed the oil today and it looked normal, not "milky" looking. I'll have to get the compression tested.
Thank you
Jamie

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Saturday, February 19th, 2011 AT 3:15 AM

MMPRINCE4000

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There was also a recall on these V6 engines regarding failed intake manifold gaskets. If compression is good perform a cooling system pressure test to check intake manifold gaskets.

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Saturday, February 19th, 2011 AT 1:48 PM

JM3

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I took a closer look at my radiator and found two metal lines on the passenger side facing the engine. Since I don't have an issue with coolant in the motor, and the engine runs fine, I'm going to replace the radiator.
I let you what happens.