1996 Chevy Silverado engine oil loss

208,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TOMROWE2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I wasn't present when this occurred, but I was told that the engine shutdown instantly. What I found was engine oil all over the passenger side of the block (not from the head). This oil was mixed with coolant and was a thick brown sludge. I pulled out the dipstick to find very little oil but what was there was also thick and sludgy. I turned the key to find an engine that turned over normally, no freeze up. Could the head fail and over a very short time dump that much coolant in the oil and then dump the oil out somehow? Without cleaning up the mess it is very hard to see anything. This engine has always run perfectly and uses about 1/2 quart in 4000 miles. I use Amsoil.
Nov 29, 2009 at 3:44 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
No, you ether have a blown head gaskey, cracked head, or cracked block, DO NOT run engine! May already be too lat to salvage, but dismantling and inspecting parts is the only way to tell at this point.
Nov 29, 2009 at 4:05 AM
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