Oil in Coolant Container, What's Up?

uatargus · Post by **uatargus** » 01 Dec 2006, 13:12

We have a 1998 Volvo S70 T5. There seems to be oil leaking into the coolant because the reservoir for the coolant starts to overflow when the car warms up and smells (and looks) like it has oil. There is a very low level of engine oil shown on the dip stick. I have asked around and everyone thinks its the head gasket, but I want to be sure since the engine compartment and the engine looks free of any oil leaks. I was thinking that it might be the turbo or oil cooler some how. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should do to find the problem? Appreciate any help I can get. Thanks

neteng · Post by **neteng** » 01 Dec 2006, 13:34

Haven't seen this on a Volvo yet, but I just replaced a head on m y son's 97 Saturn SL1, for the same reason. It was cracked and oil was in the water, but not the reverse. It takes quite a bit to flush all the oil out.

Sounds like you have the same problem. Good luck.

Neteng

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 01 Dec 2006, 15:02

I wouldn't blame the head gasket so quick. The turbo models are known to have a common issue with the radiator that allows the the coolant and oil to mix.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 01 Dec 2006, 19:10

Never heard of it unless there is a head gasket issue or the radiator itself has a break in it allowing oil into the coolant section. Get it checked as soon as possible. Do you have any coolant in your engine? Because oil floats on water, if you drain your oil you'll see water come out first. Don't drive it until you figure this out.