There was some black gook floating in with the coolant?

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MEMBER
1999 ACURA INTEGRA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

1999 Acura Integra mileage: 120,000. About two years ago my timing belt went on my car and I needed a head job done. Ever since they did it, I have been going through a lot of oil. I noticed one day when I was checking the coolant level that there was some black gook floating in with the coolant. I have complained several times to the mechanic and he said the fact that I am burning oil was due to the head job. He said it was quite normal. Regarding the black gook in the radiator, he said that was mold. The other problem that happened after the work was done is that my car was constantly overheating. Now my car is going through coolant and oil like crazy. I smell it burning. I have always maintained the car, but I made a mistake by not replacing the timing belt when it was needed. It has always looked as if it has been leaking through the head gasket ever since the head job was done. Can you please give me your advice on this problem? Thank you for your time.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you might have a blown head gasket.
When a head gasket is blown you will have oil in the coolant and coolant in oil.
You will usually get white smoke out of the tail pipe. Overheating is another sign of blown head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

You can check to see if you have a blown head gasket. There is a simple test you can do by using a test kit. Which checks for combustion gases in the coolant.

Here is a guide of how to do that:

https://youtu.be/5zpNjYmmiYY

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

I have attached the head gasket replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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