850 Blown Head?

pjlapl · Post by **pjlapl** » 17 Feb 2016, 06:38

1997 850 +170K
The car is running well and no smoke . I was checking my fluids and noticed the coolant reservoir was empty. I put coolant in to the full level probably < 1 quart. I don't think my son over heated the car. HOWEVER, I WATCHED THE COOLANT TURN TO CHOCOLATE MILK. I could see a few drops of oil floating on top.

-I removed the reservoir and drained the coolant from the radiator. The radiator coolant was perfect until the very end where there was a few drops of coolant.

- I bought a used reservoir and started the Prestone flushing. During the flush the sludge returned. I can skim it off with a turkey baster, but it only returns.

The oil is fine. However I do seem to be down a little.

Your thoughts on HEAD Gasket and any experience with gasket sealer? If I can get another 6-12 months out it her, I'll be happy.

I don't think it is the radiator and trans fluid in the coolant as it was replaced 6 years ago, and the fluid on top of the AF looked like oil and not trans fluid.

Only owner for 19 years.

Thanks again.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Feb 2016, 06:52

If the coolant turns to milk almost immediately then it's done. Engine oil is going in at a high rate.

For 6 months of car life I would try the head sealer with about a 10 % success chance

Post by **tryingbe** » 17 Feb 2016, 07:01

There is no mechanic in a bottle.

Is this a turbo or n/a?

pjlapl · Post by **pjlapl** » 17 Feb 2016, 07:07

Abscate- Thanks. My thoughts. Just hate to get rid of such a good car. Just sank $2.5k into, and it is hard to sink another $2.5k. I don't have the experience or space to attempt the repair....

Tryingbe- n/a no turbo

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Feb 2016, 16:35

Is this a turbo? If so then it may very well be a blown oil cooler in the radiator and the solution is to change the radiator. Cleaning the gunk out of the cooling system afterwards is no picnic though. Try flushing the block and the heater core multiple times before you install the new radiator.

To test that theory disconnect the oil cooler lines, plug off one end and try to pressurize the other opening. I had one where it started leaking coolant out of the oil connection as soon as I removed the line which removed all doubt.

...Lee

pjlapl · Post by **pjlapl** » 19 Feb 2016, 19:28

I finally took it into a local shop. I had a radiator problem. The coffee colored scum was transmission fluid leaking into the coolant at the radiator. New radiator, flushed both systems, and it seems to be fine.

The trans has been sketchy so I hope the flush didn't kick up anything. I have been told that old slipping Transmissions are like sleeping babies. You just don't screw with them. Doesn't leak, but slips starting out and into 2nd. in hot weather.

Thanks for the help.

ovlovian · Post by **ovlovian** » 19 Feb 2016, 19:37

Much better news man. Good luck, hope that solved the issue and doesn't yield new issues.
I'm facing a 850T headjob myself.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Feb 2016, 05:55

pjlapl wrote:I finally took it into a local shop. I had a radiator problem. The coffee colored scum was transmission fluid leaking into the coolant at the radiator. New radiator, flushed both systems, and it seems to be fine.

The trans has been sketchy so I hope the flush didn't kick up anything. I have been told that old slipping Transmissions are like sleeping babies. You just don't screw with them. Doesn't leak, but slips starting out and into 2nd. in hot weather.

Thanks for the help.

I hope you have been doing good in the world, you need some karma in the bucket. Drive it carefully and keep doing some trans fluid drain and fills and it will be ok!

Great news!!