This is actually on a 92 Ford Ranger, but its a general question. The truck was leaking coolant, it looked almost certain to be the waterpump. I went to drain the radiator, unscrewed the plug and nothing came out. I pulled the plug completely out and it was covered in a creamy colored sludge. Basically like oil and coolant mixed. I pulled an upper hose and let it drain. The coolant is slightly cloudy(looks like dirt), but I cant see any significant sign of oil. Its possible the oil settled at the bottom, but I thought oil seperated above water? I checked the oil, and theres no sign of coolant. As far as I know the truck hasnt run hot. The coolant was flushed about a year and a half ago and came out the drain plug fine.

Does it sound like it possibly just built up sludge? The waterpressure is greater than the oil pressure, and therefor the water leaks into the oil, correct?

Thanks
Daniel

 

No, water pressure is less than oil pressure but most problems occur at the head gasket. Where cylinder pressure can come into play. You should pressurize the coolant system and see if it holds. There should be no contamination in the coolant system after just a a year or two unless something is wrong. A good system flush is in order and it may take a few times.

It's doubtful your problem will show up with a leakdown or compression test but if you don't find anything, they may help. Also look for bubbles in the coolant when the system if full and bled properly.

 

yeah, I would lean toward a head gasket problem on this if your sure that it's oil

another reason for built up sludgely like crap would be if anyone before you noticed a leak here or there (aka waterpump you were talking about) and poured in a bunch of stop leak

I still wouldn't think it'd be that much though, and milky sludge like crap does suggest oil

I dunno

anybody else have any thoughts?