2001 S60 Coolant Flush After Radiator Leaked ATF

[oragex]

If one cylinder has low compression, and there are traces of coolant in the engine oil, then I would suspect a head gasket. Moreover, you noticed that cylinder 1 that's closed to the cyl 2, had questionable compression. If the head gasket leaks between the two cylinders it explains the compression in those two. It also explains and over-pressurized coolant system (at acceleration) and fumes from the dipstick tube as the coolant evaporates inside the crank case.

I'm not sure about this test, but can you have the engine running, and ask someone to push the gas pedal while observing the coolant reservoir with the cap off, does the coolant rise inside?

[Greg Sands]

No bubbles in coolant, even when revving the engine.

Sorry i mistyped my post, what i meant to write was that cylinder 2 had low compression. I'm not sure if the other cylinders have normal compression because i don't know what "normal" is for the engine, but i tested all the cylinders the same way, same amount of oil. Cranked the engine over on a 5 count.

Dry--------with Oil
1.) 180---210
2.) 60---120
3.)150---230
4.)155---240
5.)170---210

Well in any case, I am in no position to change a head gasket on this car, I'm going to just purchase an oil cooler from FCP and hope that all is well. If the problem is not fixed, then i have a very large project on my hands.
Thanks for all your replies, and i wish you all a good day.

[chrism]

A leak-down test can be quite telling of a cylinder's condition - moreso than a regular compression check. You may want to explore that route before throwing any expensive parts at it. If you have smoke puffing out of the dipstick tube, you've got something more than a simple leak between coolant and oil going on.

[rmmagow]

If you do decide to pull the head, be sure to have the valves checked, i.e. bring it somewhere and have it checked. The leak down test would be the most economical way to find out what is wrong. I am betting it will lean to a burnt valve which is still a head removal job. The oil cooler is unlikely a source for your problems.