Engine oil in coolant overflow tank

Tiny
VICMUN100
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
There is quite a lot of engine oil in the coolant overflow tank. However there is no water seen in the engine oil on the dipstick. Car can start nicely without any white smoke. There is a bit of fresh green coolant on the flow everytime I crank the engine.
Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 AT 8:58 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning.

The most common failure for this issue is the oil cooler. It is attached to the oil filter adapter. It leaks internally.

Roy

OIL COOLER
Removal and Installation
1. Drain the engine coolant.

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2. Remove the oil pan drain bolt and drain engine oil.

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3. Remove the oil filter.

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4. Disconnect the coolant hoses at the cooler.

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5. Remove the oil cooler.
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Fill the crankcase with SAE 5W-20 motor oil.
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2018 AT 3:51 AM
Tiny
VICMUN100
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Roy,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. That was my first post and I am very impressed by this website which I have only just discovered by accident. I was also suspecting the oil cooler as the cause from my desktop research via internet and your expert advice really confirmed it. I shall carry out the repair as per your advice shortly. Thank you so much!

Steve
(Sydney, Australia)
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2018 AT 5:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome. Glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, August 8th, 2018 AT 5:57 AM

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