Oil in the Radiator.

[MalibuDavyou5]

just now tried putting in some 50/50 Coolant in the radiator only to find an oil sludge has come up after putting in a little 50/50 Coolant, a problem I have never seen before. I have had water in the oil but not other way around. Diagnosis as to the problem?

1981 Chevy Malibu K 3.8L OHV

 

[1320John$$$]

Is the oil cooler for the automatic transmission leaking into the coolant system

 

[airboatgreg]

What color is the radiator fluid now? As stated before check you trans fluid color if an automatic. Pull the dip stick and see what the oil looks like. What engine do you have?

 

[1320John$$$]

What color is the radiator fluid now? As stated before check you trans fluid color if an automatic. Pull the dip stick and see what the oil looks like. What engine do you have?

He says it’s an 81 Malibu with a 3.8 L

 

[MalibuDavyou5]

Radiator fluid still looks green, just I am getting this oil sludge coming up out it, I just rechecked oil and transmission sticks they are fine. So there is a very good chance I have an oil cooler problem. I don't have my Chiltons book in yet, anyone have an idea where the oil cooler on this car is going to be? looks like I am just as planned going to replace the Radiator after all.

 

[pontiacgp]

did you flush the rad before you put the coolant in?

 

[pagrunt]

Possible some one used a dirty pan (used for oil changes) to drain & refill the rad.

 

[MalibuDavyou5]

Okay going to try flushing the Radiator tomorrow when it's warmer. See if that does it. But while I was looking at Advace Auto's site for Oil and Transmission Fluid Cooling, it sparked my memory of the mystery item found in the trunk. .



Pictures above wouldn't happen to be a Trans-Oil cooler would it? Thanks for the help all.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Trans oil cooler is in the radiator tank, 229s didn't use an oil cooler.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Yep, off of a Chevy/GMC truck