Oil in Radiator since mar-2007

Tiny
ADHOCUSAGE
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA COROLLA
Hello

Make - Toyoto
Model - Corolla
Year - 1996
Odometer - Approx 148500
Strange Sounds or Smell - Nil
Fluid Leak - Nothing so far
Past Repair History - Timing belt changed @90k miles, regular maintenance
Vibration - Yes when at Stop, one Engine mount (left) was found cracked and replaced. Vibration continues, advised to change all of them

The service advisor noticed oil in the radiator and did a block testing of the engine; The color of the fluid did not change (no gas leak? I am no mechanic); His suggestion was to change the radiator and hoses and do a flush of the coolant. How about crack in the head cylinder.
Showed to another mechanic recently and he vouches that this is due to head gasket leak and he said there are three possibilities depending on where the leak is (i remember two) 1. Can lead to smoke in exhaust, 2. Oil in the radiator ; He says this is common for toyoto corollas in the 150K - 180K range.
I am totally confused which one to listen to.
The radiator holds the pressure well and I did the flush once; Some amout of oil was seen again after few days. Probably the first technician was wrong.

The second technician said even oil change will be a waste of money till the problem is addressed. The vehicle has been running fine and the engine is not heating up. Now my oil change will be due in another month or so.

Fixing the head gasket will cost anything upto $800 to $1000. I don't mind spending as long as result can be seen at the end.

Please advise.

Thanks
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 10:51 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Inertia switch its on the right side of the trunk behind the strut tower.
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
BARRYX5
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Thanks for that :)
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
FISHERMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 938 POSTS
Hello !

Are you Positive that the oil its from the Engine?

How about a transmission oil?

The radiator has a "pocket" to cool down the tranny oil.

What is the oil color?

Redish?

Let Us Know.
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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
ADHOCUSAGE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hello !

Are you Positive that the oil its from the Engine?

How about a transmission oil?

The radiator has a "pocket" to cool down the tranny oil.

What is the oil color?

Redish?

Let Us Know.[/Quote:5c4e82c2e8]

The oil looks reddish. But how do I find out if it is transmission oil or from engine? Earlier the technician had suggested flushing / replacing the radiator. But I suppose it will fix it if it is related to the "pocket" to cool down the tranny oil but what if it is engine oil leak? Again as I said earlier I am no mechanic. Would appreciate any help.
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Monday, October 15th, 2007 AT 9:56 AM
Tiny
FISHERMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 938 POSTS
Hello !

Well if its "reddish" its transmission fluid.

Replace the radiator and flush the cooling system, that should solve your problem.

Check for crack or old hoses and replace them also.

Let us Know for any questions.

(Thanks a Lot for your donation ! )
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Monday, October 15th, 2007 AT 10:14 AM
Tiny
ADHOCUSAGE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Showed to the local mechanic who saw water leaking too + thermostat not in good condition + the radiator cap leaking(!). I replaced the thermostat and put the new radiator cap; He suggested trying BlueDevil Sealant which I tried along with Coolant flush and regular oil change. Now water is still leaking but the oil or water + oil mix which used to be upto the brim of the carburator cap is now gone (disappeared) and for the first time I am able to see the bare radiator inside. Earlier it was blocked by the fluid. I have two questions to ask:
1. Is it normal to see the radiator when you open the radiator cap?
2. When I park the car I see the fluid leaking at the bottom where I park the car. The amout seems to be little more than usual. When I touch it, it is not fully oily. Seems to be mixed with water too. I have not replaced the water pump which the mechanic is suggesting.

The mileage is currently is 150200 or so. The vehicle runs without any other problems (the engine mount vibration is still there).

I am confused what to do now. Kindly ADVICE.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.
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Monday, December 10th, 2007 AT 10:03 PM

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