1996 Saturn SL1 Oil in Coolant

1996 SATURN
Avatar
ROSEHAWK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The coolant in my SL1 is thick and dark. I've done a bunch of research on the internet and they mention that the Dexcool antifreeze should be changed regularly. How can I tell the difference between this and oil in the coolant? If it is the coolant, can it be flushed or do I need a new radiator?
May 5, 2006 at 4:59 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
What's the year and mileage of your SL? Old dexcool will look nasty. Check for antifreeze in your oil. Look at the filler cap and the dip stick. If you see what appears like a chocolate milkshake you have issues.

You can and should flush the cooling system. I start by draining the system cold. :!: Use caution as antifreeze is poisonous. :!: If you spill be sure to clean up any puddles.

Next remove the thermostat and reinstall the housing. Be sure to use a suitable tool (will be supplied with new thermostat).

Mix 2 ounces of automatic dishwashing detergent (any low sudsing detergent will work) per gallon of water.

Fill the cooling system and run it for 5 minutes. Drain it out afterwards. :!: Caution don't open hot! :!:

If the coolant was real dirty repeat the last 2 steps.

Next fill with clean water, run for 5 minutes, and then drain.

Next replace the thermostat with the new one.

Lastly add a 50/50 mixture of the correct antifreeze (check owners manual) and distilled water.

You might consider removing the coolant tank and cleaning it in the sink. It does not get the circulation of the rest of the system. This will keep the dreaded low coolant light from flashing at you needlessly. Couple of mounting bolts, hoses, and one electrical connection is all it takes. I do this as a last step of a flush before filling with new antifreeze mixture.

Good lluck and let us know. :)
May 5, 2006 at 8:21 AM
Avatar
ROSEHAWK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for the suggestion. My ex (who is a mechanic) came and looked at it and verified that the head gasket is in fact shot. There wasn't just oil in with the coolant, there wasn't any coolant left. It was all oil :oops: He pulled the plugs and the tear appears to be right in the middle between 2 and 3.

So, off to the dealership I go. :( Hoping it will be less than $1000, but not holding my breath.
May 8, 2006 at 2:02 AM
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
Thanxs for the update. Be aware that there are some issues with heads cracking on the SOHC engine. So it is possibly more that a head gasket. Your dealer will advise you.

Good luck and let us know. :)
May 8, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Avatar
ROSEHAWK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Well, you were right. The cylinder was cracked. $2500 to fix it. So, scrambling to figure out how to buy something. The car doesn't have enough value to put that much into it.
May 9, 2006 at 2:04 AM
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
An independent garage that is knowledgeable about Saturns can repair it for much less. Ebay has a supplier of cylinder heads for cheap that have a good rep.
Also a used engine is an option. $500. or less and about $500.00 for installation could be an option.
See this link for finding a quality garage.
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/avoid_car_repair.htm

Good luck and let us know. :)
May 9, 2006 at 3:08 AM
Avatar
ROSEHAWK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Well, I finally have resolution.

I was able to buy a 2005 Ford Focus with 9000 miles. So now I'm selling the Saturn to someone who has the knowledge and desire to fix it.

Thank you again for your help :)
May 26, 2006 at 4:41 AM
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
Good luck with the focus. See ya in the ford forum. :)
May 26, 2006 at 8:09 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

The thick dark fluid was oil, not degraded coolant, from a failed head gasket and a cracked cylinder on the SOHC engine. A cooling-system flush will not fix that. Compare a dealer repair with an independent Saturn-knowledgeable shop, a used or rebuilt cylinder head, or a used engine with installation.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Saturn SL1 reported thick, dark coolant and asked how to tell it from oil and whether a flush or a new radiator was needed. The expert advised checking the oil filler cap and dipstick for a milkshake appearance, then outlined a careful cooling-system flush if the coolant was only old and dirty. A mechanic later found no coolant left and oil throughout the system, with damage between cylinders 2 and 3. The dealer confirmed a cracked cylinder and quoted about $2500. The expert noted known SOHC head-cracking issues and suggested a knowledgeable independent shop, a used cylinder head, or a used engine as lower-cost options. The owner instead bought another car and planned to sell the Saturn to someone willing to repair it.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle