2000 Chevy Impala Oil in coolant tank

EMPREL2

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET IMPALA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
111,000 MILES

I am getting a LOW COOLANT light every once in a while. I found oil in my coolant when I went to add some. There was some black on the funnel when we pulled it out. What do you think?

Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 5:52 PM

6 Replies

ROB2008

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

Does the vehicle smoke when it's running? If so you may have a cracked head gasket.

-Rob

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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 6:25 PM

EMPREL2

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3 POSTS

It doesn't smoke.

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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 6:49 PM

ROB2008

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

Typically means you've got a blown head gasket.

The head gasket seals off the combustion chambers as well as the oil and water as it circulates between the head and the block. Sounds like the head gasket has gone bad between the oil and radiator fluid and the two fluids are mixing.

I'd get it checked to verify that it is indeed oil in the radiator fluid, or just very dirty radiator fluid.

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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 7:02 PM

EMPREL2

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3 POSTS

I was told it could be an intake valve gasket - about $700? Any thoughts?

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Sunday, May 11th, 2008 AT 7:21 PM

ROB2008

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

Check the oil to see if it is clear or muddy. If it looks like mud or chocolate milk then it is an intake manifold gasket.

One word of caution, if the oil is muddy or brown in color don't drive it, you will ruin the bearings.

-Rob