Coolant in oil?

SMALI

MEMBER
2002 DODGE RAM
4.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
219,000 MILES

So, I am a bit stumped as I already had head gasket problems about a year and a half ago. I replaced the head gasket and all the others on the way there with a kit as well as had the heads machined and replaced the head bolts, it was fine until now. I’m having a hard time believing it’s the head again. I’m thinking the oil cooler could be the problem, is there any way to test it other than replace it and see what happens?

Thursday, November 24th, 2022 AT 9:19 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

How much evidence of coolant is present in the oil? I ask because oftentimes, people suspect a head gasket when they see a creamy substance on the oil fill cap but in reality, it is something as simple as a plugged PCV or PCV hose. Pic 1 below shows the PCV location. Remove the valve and give it a shake. You should hear a rattle in it. If there isn't one, replace the valve. Also, check the hose between it and the intake to make sure there are no restrictions as well as the crankcase breathers' hose between the breathers and the air filter box.

If the PCV can't breathe, it causes excessive condensation to build in the crankcase, which results in the creamy substance to build up. It's just a thought.

As far as the oil cooler is concerned, if you are getting coolant from there, you should also see oil in the radiator. Is there an engine cooler on this vehicle from the factory or was something added? I just went through two manuals and neither shows a cooler for the engine oil.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

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