1991 Saturn SC1 oil in coolant

FFPD266

MEMBER
1991 SATURN SC1
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

I beliee I have a head gasket problem in that there is a milky/foam to the coolant. My question is: can the block also be cracked? There is no indication of any seepage into the oil reservoir. Another point, without changing the head gasket, will that damage or further damage the engine? Thanks.

4 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

First of all thank you so much for your donation. In 1991 they didn't have a sc1 model that would mean your coupe would have a single overhead cam with the spark pug wire's facing you when you opened the hood. The twin cam model's the spark plug wire's go straight up from your valve cover. Which model and engine do you have?Also you have oil in your coolant for sure?

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 1:51 PM

FFPD266

MEMBER
3 POSTS

My mistake. The vehicle is a 1992 SL1. The spark plug wires are facing out when you open the hood. The coolant in the reservoir is like a chocolatey/foamy structure and it sure seems to have an oily smell.

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 2:26 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Sounds like you have a cracked head real common on those single overhead cam engines. What happen's is where your cam rides in the head it cracks there. Usually the cylinder number 4. If you remove valve cover sometimes you can see the clean spot where the coolant is getting sucked in. You can't leave it that it will overheat an damage the engine. Let's see if it's the head then go from there. Pop off the valve cover and let me know what you find.

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 2:34 PM

FFPD266