Sludge..this doesn't look good..

[type_one]

Recently the water-coolant mixture in my radiator has turn a white-brownish milky colour (visible from the reservoir tank) and there's sludge build up around the radiator opening (where u pour water in)... Is this because there's a leak somewhere that allowed engine oil to contaminate the coolant? Help! Thanks.....

 

[suduRed]

service ur radiator....

 

[type_one]

Have u encountered this before? A friend commented (although not very sure) that there might be some sort of leak, and could be trouble at the engine block.. that possible? thanks..

 

[shiroitenshi]

yup.. usually means oil is leaking into the coolant.. could be something minor like a gasket, or something bad like a cracked sleeve.

That's ONE possible source of contamination...

 

[type_one]

Sigh... ONE possible source? how many more would there be? Anyways, if there's water droplets on the spark plugs, would it point more towards leaking gasket? Or there's worse to come?
Thanks..

 

[shiroitenshi]

Another source of contamination possible is the coolant being poured into the coolant reservoir (maybe added water from dirty sources?).. It happens? (O_o) That's why one suggestion in the above is servicing the radiator.

As for other sources of contamination would come from the seals around the water pump (or anywhere else for that matter, as long as it's related to the coolant system.) Granted, could go in through those areas as well.. though you'd have to ask where the oil comes from.. for that, I have no clear answers, as some of the engines I've seen seems to be wet with oil sometimes, from various sources. Depends on the amount of oil though..

But usually the one possible source that's most likely in your case if the above isn't true is a leaking gasket (lucky!) or a cracked sleeve (bad) BUT if it's negligible, probably came from other sources.. if it's quite evident, then the previous post applies.

Water droplets on the spark plug eh? Not sure how'd that happen, as combustion should have cleared that up the moment you started your engine? You mean taking them out after leaving them overnight/for a while is it? I can't imagine seeing plugs with water droplets after taking them out of a working engine that has been started.. Assuming that the water droplets come from the coolant, that's also another sign that vapour from the coolant is getting in the combustion chamber (assuming it doesn't come from somewhere else, like the manifold for example)

Cracked sleeves are very rare, but could happen if you hydro lock the engine. Means somehow you ingest water through the airfilter, it gets into the manifold, then the combustion chamber, then get's compressed, and something usually gives way.. if not the pistons, rod or gasket, the sleeves are probably the first to go.

Remember, I'm offering my opinion based on what I know.. A mechanic that at least opens up the head will know what's wrong for sure.

 

[type_one]

The spark plugs were taken out after i drove to the mechs to have it changed..... didn't leave it out overnight or anything..

Or probably the mech messed up the gasket maker he smothered onto the valve cover?...
Sigh* Guess the only way to be sure is to take apart the head.....
Thanks anyways....Kudos!

 

[melvtec]

problem with overheating or not?

 

[hattech-v]

i think there must be something wrong with ur head or gasket.

 

[type_one]

melvtec - no, there's no overheating problem..although it loses water a little....

hattech - yeah, i'm sure there's a problem..having it checked soon..

Thanks guys..

 

[type_one]

What if the water and sludge shows no sign of oil? When the sludge dries it forms a powder-like substance.......
??

 

[shiroitenshi]

What if the water and sludge shows no sign of oil? When the sludge dries it forms a powder-like substance.......
??

No idea.. have to look at the powdery stuff to even have an idea.. got pictures?

 

[type_one]

No pics now.. will try to post later.... anyways.. its an off-white pasty substance.. when dry its like ground chalk... sigh....
thanks shiro

 

[xxxx]

type one,

wat brand of water coolant r u using?
last time, one mechanic told me.....if u wanna use coolant, use the good brand coolant. if wanna use normal one, better dun use wor cos it will cause something like mud inside the water cooling system....tat's wat i heard from one of the mechanics......

 

[type_one]

xxxx,

I'm only use Motul Inugel or Redline Water Wetter, with no problems.. until recently.. so i don't think its the coolant that's the matter.. anyways having my radiator serviced..see whether that will remedy it or not..
thanks anyway..

 

[crower75]

it doesn't get any better than Redline Water Wetter .... one of the best that's available out there....

must be something else that's wrong......good luck

 

[type_one]

crower75 it doesn't get any better than Redline Water Wetter .... one of the best that's available out there....

must be something else that's wrong......good luck

yeah.. too bad the last time i used Redline, my radiator bocor.. then switch again to Motul..Cheaper... hopefully servicing the radiator will help..thanks..

 

[rivers]

I am also having the same problem with my civic. flushed the radiator recently but the slugde somehow still came back...i have overheating problem but only when on highway travelling 5th gear at 4000 RPM...the tempreature goes up 3/4...how ah?

 

[type_one]

i'm also stumped...

By flush you mean running water through it or getting serviced? I don't have an overheating problem, even under hard driving..or probably not yet???

anyways will service the radiator next week.. then see how..

 

[xxxx]

i agreed tat water wetter is the best......

therefore, type of coolant is not the problem.....haha