Milky oil inside the engine

2004 SATURN VUE

180,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL

BRYANP88

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I just had my valve cover removed in the process of replacing my timing chain tension-er, and the inside of my engine is milky. I was told that it could be my head gasket or either my oil cooler gone bad. It runs really smooth still. even the mechanic said that it is hard to believe that the head gasket is blown with it running so smoothly. I do not want to have to spend the money on getting a head gasket replaced if it the oil cooler. how can I know for sure which one it is? any idea will be greatly appreciated.

Feb 4, 2017 at 4:18 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
11,004 POSTS

The oil is milky or like the oil cap and surfaces?

If the PCV is not sucking properly this might happen.

Do you have good suction at the PCV?

Grommets sealing, not torn, pulled loose. Hoses connected, no kinks, old rubber hoses sucking flat (shut)?
Fresh air line is open and clear?

The system just will not work unless everything is sealed off, fresh air replenishing the "bad air' that gets sucked out of the engine.

The Medic

Feb 4, 2017 at 5:53 PM

BRYANP88

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The oil was thick like a milk shake, all over. All the hoses and things seem firm and proper. Would you recommend me try the oil cooler first? Just as a process of elimination.

Feb 4, 2017 at 7:14 PM

SATURNTECH9

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
30,869 POSTS

If you have a 2.2 four cylinder in that they do not have an oil cooler. do you have a 2.2 four cylinder engine?

Feb 4, 2017 at 9:42 PM

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