Engine oil in coolant overflow tank

2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE
200,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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VICMUN100
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
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.
Aug 7, 2018 at 8:58 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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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Aug 8, 2018 at 3:51 AM
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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)
Aug 8, 2018 at 5:46 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You are welcome. Glad to help.

Roy
Aug 8, 2018 at 5:57 AM
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