Oil in coolant

2011 MINI COUPE
130,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
MATT SPARY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I recently had the following replaced:

Valve cover
Head gasket and head bolts
Timing chain
Water pump
Spark plugs
Ignition coils
Coolant expansion reservoir
Thermostat
Both camshaft positioning sensors


I was still getting a camshaft positioning sensor code. After extensive looks, and the car still running, I started to get an engine overheating message. Now, I have oil in my coolant, but no "gooey" residue in my engine oil cap.
I was considering doing a complete coolant flush then another oil change, but I am worried I am missing a bigger issue.
Sep 4, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If you are getting coolant mixing with the engine oil, chances are there is either a head gasket issue, warped cylinder head, or a crack in the block or head. Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolantantifreeze-in-the-engine-oil

Take care,
Joe
Sep 4, 2018 at 6:37 PM
Avatar
MATT SPARY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I saw that link already. How do I figure out what the issue is without taking apart the engine? Also, I found oil in with the spark plugs.
Sep 6, 2018 at 6:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Here is a link that shows how to check for a bad head gasket:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

If you are getting oil on the plugs, it sounds like the valve cover is leaking at the o-ring at the bottom of the plug tube. See attached picture.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Sep 6, 2018 at 7:56 PM
Avatar
MATT SPARY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Any idea how to get the oil out of the spark plug holes? Or, do I just let them burn off then replace the plugs?
Sep 12, 2018 at 11:43 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
You can remove the oil with compressed. Just cover the area where the oil will spray out to prevent a mess.
Sep 14, 2018 at 8:25 PM
Avatar
MATT SPARY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
OK, I've replaced my valve cover gaskets and am no longer getting oil in my spark plugs. Back to the coolant issue. I pulled off the oil pan and (after draining all the oil) I am seeing small amounts of blue anti-freeze/coolant in drip out. The water pump seems to be working. I cannot seem to find where the leak is coming from. How can I find the leak?
Oct 25, 2018 at 7:27 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi and welcome back.

If you are getting coolant into the engine oil, you need to start by testing for a head gasket issue.

Here are directions I need you to follow. Do this and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Take care,
Joe
Oct 25, 2018 at 6:42 PM