oil in cooling system

GMC
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GARRY
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  • 1 POST
Driving a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, 120,000 KM. Mechanic says he found oild in cooling system. Would cost many $$$ to inspect and replace intake manifold. My question is the vehicle runs fine, wouldn't I notice some kind of problem if this was the case? What would cause this? Any help would be appreciated.
Mar 4, 2006 at 2:00 AM
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JPAM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 307 POSTS
no you probally wouldnt feel any diff. when driving... just lose of oil.. and the intake manifold or just the gasket, would cause this..
Mar 4, 2006 at 4:53 AM
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MECHANIC116
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This could be caused by a number of things, but the intake manifold gasket would be the most common. A leaky head gasket could also cause it...but you'd probably notice an overheating problem along with it. Either way, you NEED to fix this. Water in your oil or vice versa will cause serious engine damage. Do NOT continue to drive it.
Mar 4, 2006 at 12:27 PM
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Suggested Repair

Stop driving the vehicle. Inspect and replace the intake manifold gasket, the most common cause of oil in the cooling system; the intake manifold itself may also need replacement. Also check for a leaking head gasket, especially if the engine overheats. Oil and coolant mixing can cause serious engine damage.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix with 120,000 km was told oil was found in the cooling system and that inspecting and replacing the intake manifold would be expensive. The car still runs fine. Replies said the driver may notice little more than oil loss. A failed intake manifold gasket is the most common cause, and a leaking head gasket is also possible, more often with overheating. The advice was to repair it promptly and not keep driving because mixing oil and coolant can seriously damage the engine.

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