Coolant in crankcase

Tiny
BILL J. POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,000 MILES
My daughters car was running “rough” so I took it to a local Firestone shop. The vehicle had not been running hot nor was the temperature gauge fluctuating. The shop replace all six spark plus, throttle control mechanism, a coil, and rear wiper blade. Picked the vehicle up late Friday before closing. After driving the temperature gauge began making big swings from cool to almost running hot. Checked the radiator and added a gallon of antifreeze. Engine was and still runs basically smooth; no real issues with acceleration or idle speeds. Next day checked radiator fluid level because gauge continues to fluctuate but never ran “hot” but close. Normal highway speeds gauge is pretty much centered. Radiator was low on fluid, so I added another gallon of antifreeze (wonder where the heck the fluid was going as there’s no leak). That is when I checked the oil dip stick and it showed over the full line by about an inch and oil was discolored. The vehicle is still running okay and idles fine. As of now my daughter is not driving it. Open to suggestions.
Sunday, October 28th, 2018 AT 5:32 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening.

You have a failed head gasket. It is allowing coolant into the oil.

Have the system leak tested to be sure but this is very common with the 3.4.

I would address this as soon as you can. Coolant in the oil damages the main and rod bearing and will result in engine failure if left alone.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolantantifreeze-in-the-engine-oil

1. Inspect the cylinder head gasket and the mating surfaces. Inspect for leaks, corrosion and blowby.
2. If the gasket failed, determine the cause. Gasket failure is caused by the following conditions:
- Improper installation
- A loose or warped cylinder head
- Missing, off location or not fully seated dowel pins
- Low torque on cylinder head bolts
- Warped case (block) surface
- Scratched surfaces
- Excessive inlet manifold torque
- Cracked engine block tapped holes
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Sunday, October 28th, 2018 AT 7:59 PM

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