Oil leak into radiator

Tiny
JM3
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I'm leaking engine oil into the radiator on my 2000 chev lumina. Which gaskets would you replace? Head gasket and lower valve train gasket? The car has 120k on it. I've added Bar's leaks to engine oil and it has slowed the leaking.

thank you
jamie
Thursday, February 17th, 2011 AT 4:28 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If oil is in coolant it could be the oil cooler (if equipped) in radiator.
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Thursday, February 17th, 2011 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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If not equipped with oil cooler, then start with compression test to check condition of headgaskets.
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Thursday, February 17th, 2011 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
JM3
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It doesn't have an oil cooler. I changed the oil today and it looked normal, not "milky" looking. I'll have to get the compression tested.
Thank you
Jamie
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Saturday, February 19th, 2011 AT 3:15 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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There was also a recall on these V6 engines regarding failed intake manifold gaskets. If compression is good perform a cooling system pressure test to check intake manifold gaskets.
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Saturday, February 19th, 2011 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
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I took a closer look at my radiator and found two metal lines on the passenger side facing the engine. Since I don't have an issue with coolant in the motor, and the engine runs fine, I'm going to replace the radiator.
I let you what happens.
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Sunday, February 20th, 2011 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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Keep us informed.
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Monday, February 21st, 2011 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
JM3
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Sorry, I decided to trade the car in when we bought a new one. But I do think it was the oil cooler and I'll keep that in mind next time. Thank you
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Sunday, March 6th, 2011 AT 2:10 PM

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