Coolant leak and low engine oil?

Question

I have a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo. I've had some problems keeping the coolant full. There is a slow leak somewhere, but I'm not exactly sure where. I have to add coolant directly into the radiator everyday. Tiresplus wants to charge me $100 just to run a test. What else could I do?

Also, when i took off my engine oil cap if was only about half full. There is like a filmy white substance at the top where there is no oil. Should I place in more oil, and if so how much?

Answer 1

It sounds like you have a blown head gasket and that would be one of your best scenarios. The oil and water are mixing, that is most likely where the filmy white substance (coolant) in your oil is coming from and the coolant is disappearing to. A compression test may indicate the problem. Your exhaust may be a bit smoky/steamy...



You will need to get this car to a reputable mechanic as soon as possible.

Answer 2

HI

STOP..... I think your confusing some stuff up.... YOU CAN NOT SEE THE MOTOR OIL BY PULLING THE OIL CAP OFF.......So I don't know how you would know it was only about 1/2 full???

The only thing you may be able to see by pulling the cap off would be the power steering fluid...

anyway on to your questions

the white substance that you are seeing on the oil cap is condensation from moisture in the system. pull the dip stick and If the motor oil its self does not look milky or Chocolate looking it should be ok. if it does look Chocolate like then you may have a bad head gasket or intake gasket. and that could be where your coolant is going But you would be experiencing over heating problems as well..

As for your Radiator not being full... When you check it at the radiator with the motor cold the fluid should be to the top or no more than 1" from the top this allows for expansion... If you are not experiencing overheating then let it ride at that height. each motor well chose its own level.

good luck

tim

Answer 3

sounds like a bad head gasket. the antifreeze is leaking past the water jacket into the engine oil. thats where your antifreeze is going and when it mixes with the oil it makes a milky looking slim in the oil.

Answer 4

Sounds like the Intake manifold is leaking or could be a head gasket. Probably going to cost you upwards of $650-$1000 to fix if that's the case. Take it to another mechanic if you are unsure or take it to the dealer to have checked.

Answer 5

all the people above are telling you the right stuff.

head gasket sounds very very likely.

get it to a shop as soon as you can.

if you continue to try and drive it you are asking for bigger problems as that antifreeze contaminated oil isn't very good at lubricating!!

good luck!