2002 Dodge Stratus oil in radiator overflow

Tiny
DLWMLW
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 135,000 MILES
Water and antifreeze in radiator seem ok. Thought I had a leak in radiator, but replaced the cap and seems to have stopped the leak. Does not seem to be buring oil, but oil is appearing in the radiator overflow. Suggestions for what the problem is and solution? Thank you
Friday, March 27th, 2009 AT 9:05 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the transmission fluid, the cooler is a tank on the radiator, and if cracked inside, tranny fluid will mix with the coolant, make a stawberry milkshake out of both. What color is this fluid?
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Saturday, March 28th, 2009 AT 6:48 AM
Tiny
DLWMLW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Its a manual transmission - so no real transm fluid. The stuff in the overflow is brown like oil but the top of the radiator has a pretty water/antifreeze appearance and the oil in engine is clean - no water noticed.
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Saturday, March 28th, 2009 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Feel the fluid and smell it, if sticky and sweet, it's just old coolant, if slick and smells like motor oil, do a block test, this will determine if hydrocarbons(Exhaust gases) are present in the coolant, if yes, a head gasket or intake gasket may be leaking, this kit can be puchased at all parts store.
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Saturday, March 28th, 2009 AT 9:10 AM

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