My coolant is milky white?
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 67
From: Ohio, midwestern
I second that, a milky condition should be a direct indication that there is oil getting into the coolant somehow. Probably a bad head gasket-either way dont fire it up untill you found out how the oil is getting in there.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 89
From: Fort Worth, Texas
i think i figured it out
i checked the oil and it does not look like there is any coolant in the oil and when i pulled the thermostat plenum off the coolant was bright green. i also used a coolant system flush that was milky white do u think i just didnt get it all out of the system because when i took a coolant tester and stuck in further down in the radiator the coolant was coming out bright green its like this milky white stuff is just floating at the top its kind of weird. im also having a hesitation problem but it only starts after the car has warmed up a little. the gauge is not showing its hot, it will move up to about 210 but thats about it but im also not sure if the fans kicking on. i just really need some help on this im new to the whole lt1 thing and dont really know that much about them. im used to old school small block chevy. and thanks for everybodys imput so far i just want to drive my car 
Registered User
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 3,144
From: Jackstandican
You never answered whether or not it was just your cap (unless I missed it somewhere). If it's just on the valve cover and cap then most likely it is normal condensation. Have you drained your oil or just checked the dipstick? Try draining it and see what you find out.
The only thing to remember is NEVER mix the orange with the green. Cooling systems don't care what flavor of coolant they have just as long as it's a consistent color.
The only thing to remember is NEVER mix the orange with the green. Cooling systems don't care what flavor of coolant they have just as long as it's a consistent color.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 27,725
From: Little Rock, AR
i checked the oil and it does not look like there is any coolant in the oil and when i pulled the thermostat plenum off the coolant was bright green. i also used a coolant system flush that was milky white do u think i just didnt get it all out of the system because when i took a coolant tester and stuck in further down in the radiator the coolant was coming out bright green its like this milky white stuff is just floating at the top its kind of weird. im also having a hesitation problem but it only starts after the car has warmed up a little. the gauge is not showing its hot, it will move up to about 210 but thats about it but im also not sure if the fans kicking on. i just really need some help on this im new to the whole lt1 thing and dont really know that much about them. im used to old school small block chevy. and thanks for everybodys imput so far i just want to drive my car
Give the whole story in the first post. No one knew you had intentionally introduced a "milky" substance into the system. If you don't give all the facts, you will get erroneous advice.
While you want to stay with the same coolant type, mixing them is not a catastrophe and will absolutely not harm anything.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 3,144
From: Jackstandican
Not that I've experienced it myself, but I've read on this board as well as listen to the Pat Goss' (Goss' Garage) Radio show and the findings have been a chemical reaction can happen causing the coolant to gel?
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 27,725
From: Little Rock, AR
That's a myth. The coolant manufacturers even say they can be mixed. The only thing you lose by diluting Dexcool is the extended maintenance interval and compromise of the silicate free solution.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 3,144
From: Jackstandican
Interesting... wonder how that one got started. I change my damned coolant so often it doesn't matter. I really should switch to the cheaper green...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 109
From: Los Angeles, CA
Found this by accident:
http://www.getahelmet.com/jeeps/maint/dexcool/
It basically says that heat-speaking, green and Dexcool are both fine. The difference is Dexcool doesn't have all the additives of other coolants, which is supposedly better for the water pump and lasts a whole lot longer. Interesting reading, but I say use whatever coolant you want. I just like the orange stuff because its a cool color
.
http://www.getahelmet.com/jeeps/maint/dexcool/
It basically says that heat-speaking, green and Dexcool are both fine. The difference is Dexcool doesn't have all the additives of other coolants, which is supposedly better for the water pump and lasts a whole lot longer. Interesting reading, but I say use whatever coolant you want. I just like the orange stuff because its a cool color
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Registered User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
From: Orlando, FL
Ok back to the problems your having with the formula... When oil mixes with the coolant its going to be milky white like everyone is saying. And remeber OIL floats, so if there is oil in your coolant then it will be on top and not deeper in. and if the coolant is getting into your oil the coolant will be on the bottom (it wont always mix when you have only alittle). As it sounds there isnt alot mixing so it may not be showing up when you pull your dipstick. I've seen oil in coolant but no coolant in the oil before. As said before, dont drive the car till you find out what is the problem and fix it.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 89
From: Fort Worth, Texas
ok drained the oil
ok so yesterday i drained the oil and it looks fine doesnt look to have water or coolant in it whats another way to tell if i have a blown head gasket other than compression test?