1996 Saturn SL1 It all started with low oil.

NAMBRINO

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL1
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
56,000 MILES

My sister was noticing oil pressure issues on her '96 Saturn sedan, and after adding two quarts of oil and then suspecting an oil leak the vehicle was taken to a local tire & auto facility to be looked at. They added a dye to the oil to try to find any leaks, and had her drive it for a few days.

When she took it back, the technician reported "water mixing with the oil" and that the "coolant looked muddy, " and they suspected it was a problem with the a broken gasket.

Does this assessment sound accurate for the issues the technician reported? And are there any other possible causes that could have similar issues as described (as to determine if the repair costs are worthwhile)?

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

If u have oil in the coolant u have a cracked head on that model they crack in the number 3 or 4 cam journal then suck oil threw that crack into the cooling system.U would have to change the head water pump coolant bottle thermostate all the hoses flush the heater core radiator before u put everything back together then flush a whole lot more. The best flush to use is called Eskimo it's a oil base. If u take out the cam and pressurize the cooling system u can see the crack. If u take on this project make sure u have the head checked or u will have a bunch more oil after the head gasket in the coolant.I have done a bunch of them. There is even a bulletine on it. What a mess u make. If u only have 56,000 miles on ur car might be worth fixing it but that's up to u if ur going to or not. Well good luck. If u have anymore questions let me know.