Bennett Toyota Looks at Coolant in Engine Oil

This is an expensive and devastating problem to have. Sometimes, once you notice coolant in the engine it is already too late for quick, inexpensive repairs. If you notice a coolant or oil anomaly, contact the dealership right away. Whitehall area Toyota looks at coolant in your engine’s oil.

 

Is There Coolant in my Engine’s Oil?

Coolant in the oil can be difficult to detect. You will hear that moisture in the oil will give the oil a brown-milk substance, but is not always the case. In fact, engine oils on the market today are loaded with special detergents and dispersants, which permit the coolant to mix with the oil, essentially undetected until it is too late.

 

What are the Symptoms of Coolant in the Oil?

One of the telltale signs of a failure is the loss of coolant, without the presence of a leak. Modern engine systems are designed to contain the coolant, so if you see a drop, it is a cause for alarm.

 

Test to be Certain

You can test the oil at home, but an analysis at the dealership is more thorough and effective.

• Drop an oil sample on the exhaust manifold, looking for sizzle instead of smoke, OR
• Allow some oil to drain into a clear, glass jar or another clear container.  Look for separation or the presence of water, OR
• Place a drop of oil on to the back of a white business card. Clean oil will disperse and fade relatively evenly. If glycol is present, the oil on the card will remain as a dark blot in the center because the oil is not dispersing.

 

How Does Coolant Get Into the Engine Oil?

The coolant can mix with the engine oil a few different ways. The most common cause of engine seeping into the engine oil is a failed head gasket. A few other causes of the intrusion is a warped or cracked cylinder head, and leaky intake gaskets, and failure from the head bolts because they are either stripped or sealed improperly. The service team can do an accurate diagnosis. If you service the system you assume is the culprit, you may be neglecting the real cause of the leak. The mistake can be costly and devastating.

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