Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Posted ImageWelcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.

You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are features you can't use and images you can't see. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Join our community!




Username:   Password:
Add Reply
coolant in oil; head gasket?
Topic Started: Dec 13 2009, 04:27 PM (877 Views)
geosedan
Member
[ *  *  * ]
I have the telltale bubbles on my dipstick that indicates a coolant leak. The only thing I can think of that would make that happen is a head gasket. Am I on the right track or is there some O ring somewhere on a 1996 1.3L that could make that happen? At least I don't see foam yet.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
nerys
Member Avatar
Grr

Could be moisture from outside too. are you loosing coolant?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
bennie442


I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but antifreeze in your oil can't be anything good. Head gasket is the likely cause. Have you done a compression test to verify?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
geosedan
Member
[ *  *  * ]
I don't think I'm losing coolant but I'll keep a closer eye on it. No I haven't done a compression test yet. I assume you mean the one where they put a pressure tester on the radiator cap opening?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Johnny Mullet
Member Avatar
Fear the Mullet

http://geometroforum.com/topic/2574993/
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
nerys
Member Avatar
Grr

that too. it will help you find leaks or at least let you know if you do in fact have one.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
starscream5000
Member Avatar
Got 70 MPG?

You can also buy a bhg detector kit at an auto store. It will sample the coolant and tell you through the color of the test strips if there is exhaust contamination in the coolant. If the test comes back positive for a bhg, then you need to park the car immediately and fix it. When coolant and oil mix it creates an acid that will eat away at the softer metals (rod and main bearings). First symptoms will usually be rod knock. Before you know it you will have a full rebuild on your hands, that is, if you don't throw a rod first. Supras are notorious for bhg's, so I'm speaking from first hand experience on this.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
geosedan
Member
[ *  *  * ]
I put on a new head gasket (felpro) about 4 months ago and that did the trick. I waited to post what I did because I got a real scare installing it. When I tightened the head I bought the reuseavle head bolts and tightened them in 20 ft. pound increments and I heard something go "snap". I couldn't see anything cracked outside but I waited to see if anything would develop. So far so good but man oh man when tightening a cylinder head that snap sound is the scariest sound in the world! So bottom line is the gasket did the trick and as far as the snap sound goes the head's been holding for 4 months now.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · Engine Tech & Diagnostics · Next Topic »
Add Reply