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got a car question, oil in radiator, no water in block

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Old 04-08-2008 | 09:30 PM
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Default got a car question, oil in radiator, no water in block

99 honda accord. Oil in water, made a chocolate shake in the radiator, but no water in the block. Looks like the water blew out as the radiator is low.

Is it an obvious head gasket? Runs good, no smoke. How would I check before tearing apart since its still running good.

Thanks in advance
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Old 04-08-2008 | 09:30 PM
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just a note, oil is clear and looks good, no water in oil
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Old 04-08-2008 | 10:17 PM
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If its a automatic its probably the trans cooler in the radiator that leaking
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Old 04-09-2008 | 07:37 AM
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Yep, check the trans oil level. Disconnect the cooler lines, plug one and apply 15 or so psi to the other, whatch rad for bubbles. If ok, could very well be a head gasket. Oil is under much higher pressure than coolant. One way transfer.
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Old 04-09-2008 | 07:49 AM
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Most likely head gasket, but occasionally I have seen these crack the block between the cyl liners, check very carefully on the deck after cleaning.
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Old 04-09-2008 | 04:23 PM
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I am not an expert on Hondas, but some cars have an engine oil cooler in the radiator as well as a trans cooler. If it does have one, it sounds like that may be the problem. I have never seen a head gasket cause oil to get into the water. They can cause water to get into the oil.
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Old 04-09-2008 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Vinny P
I am not an expert on Hondas, but some cars have an engine oil cooler in the radiator as well as a trans cooler. If it does have one, it sounds like that may be the problem. I have never seen a head gasket cause oil to get into the water. They can cause water to get into the oil.
I agree, I have never seen nor heard of a head gasket causing OIL to leak into the Water. The other way around for sure, but not that....
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Old 04-09-2008 | 04:31 PM
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Strawberry shake= tranny cooler in rad shot, chocolate shake=head gasket or head shot. All is true except if your customer puts the wrong oil in the wrong place(as in the rad) of which I have seen before.
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Old 04-09-2008 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by insptech
Most likely head gasket, but occasionally I have seen these crack the block between the cyl liners, check very carefully on the deck after cleaning.
I've seen this also. Depends on the design of the cooling system and nature of the failure, sometimes you can get a sort of siphoning effect where the cooling system will draw oil from the motor. VERY common problem with the old 2.8L Chevy they ran in the S-10 series pick-up's.
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Old 04-09-2008 | 09:38 PM
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Been wrenching a long time just go to a good shop have them do a block test 5min..job..head gasket ...with a cracked head..
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