Oil in Radiator

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Oct 24, 2011 | 2:45 PM

butch171

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Oil in Radiator

How can oil get in a radiator of this van when the transmission and oil dip sticks show clean oil? 2000 Engine Type 4.3L V6 OHV 12V
Make Chevrolet Driveline RWD
Model Astro

The oil keeps coming in the radiator but the when checking the oil with the diop stick as well as the trasmission oil it is also clean not milky at all. How would it get in?

Last edited by butch171; Oct 24, 2011 at 2:47 PM.

Oct 24, 2011 | 8:31 PM

MDTAHOE

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From: Bowie, MD

The oil pressure is higher then the pressure in the rad.

Oct 25, 2011 | 4:41 AM

kevinkpk

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From: kevinkpk

The oil pressure is going to be higher than the radiator. My bet is transmission fluid.

Oct 25, 2011 | 5:12 AM

ihatemybike

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Astro are equipped with both oil and transmission coolers in the radiator. While I haven't experienced it myself, I have heard in other vehicles of these coolers leaking into the radiator.

The other thing it may be is the beginning of the head gasket going, sometimes a small leak will flow one way.

Nov 3, 2011 | 1:38 PM

jelectrico

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Quote:

Originally Posted by butch171

Well, water is heavier than oil and it may be setting bellow the dipstick level.
When the oil is changed it may show.
Head gasket and water pump gasket are 2 that I can think of for the moment.

Nov 3, 2011 | 1:50 PM

jelectrico

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Aaron is absolutely right. However, once the oil get into the radiator, it will travel and still get into engine water jacket. My advice is get it done as soon as possible. If water gets into oil it may freeze the engine!