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More often than not the oil and coolant will NOT mix. Pressurized gases during combustion are forced through the compromised gasket into the coolant circuit. When the engine is shut down the coolant will seep into the cylinders. Head gasket failure can take a very long time to become a debilitating engine problem; it usually starts out as something like OP is describing.
Sounds like it could be a head gasket failure, most likely a result from improperly maintained Dexcool. What you want is a "combustion leak detector kit". The kit essentially draws vacuum on the reservoir tank in order to chemically detect (liquid color change) combustion gases that may be bypassing the head gasket. They are $40 to $50, available at the parts store or online. Either way, it is a good investment to determine if gaskets are OK, as it is somewhat of a common issue with these engines.
GM 3.1 motors manifold gaskets were prone to leak there was a big recall sometime back.
GM 3.1 motors manifold gaskets were prone to leak there was a big recall sometime back.
Ding, ding, ding...We have the winner!
Normally, with the stated symptoms I would suspect a breached head gasket, but with the history of leaking intake manifold gaskets on these GM V-6 engines, in this case I believe that it is more likely to be a problem with the intake manifold gasket.
Normally, with the stated symptoms I would suspect a breached head gasket, but with the history of leaking intake manifold gaskets on these GM V-6 engines, in this case I believe that it is more likely to be a problem with the intake manifold gasket.
Yes I stay very tuned to the big 3 since I was born and raised in meto detroit . My father retired from GM I worked at Chryslers warren truck assembly plant in the early 80's, and there Newark Delaware assembly plant making the 4 door and wagon K cars. Im always in tune with what's going on in Detroit.
Yes I stay very tuned to the big 3 since I was born and raised in meto detroit . My father retired from GM I worked at Chryslers warren truck assembly plant in the early 80's, and there Newark Delaware assembly plant making the 4 door and wagon K cars. Im always in tune with what's going on in Detroit.
Off topic, but you always know if someone is from the Detroit/Windsor area when they refer to Chrysler and Ford as "Chrysler's" or "Ford's".
I have a 2000 oldsmobile intrigue leaking water somewhere..i don't never see where it's going but I have to put water in it bout every 2 days depending on how much I drive it maybe 3 I checked oil there's no mix and just got the resavior changed not too long ago and been having to do it since I changed it still...the one before was cracked but I don't know where the leak could be at...any ideas???
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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One thing to try is to leave it running and open the hood when you get home after a long drive on the freeway when it's good and hot. Sometimes a small radiator leak will not show up except when hot and under pressure. Use a strong flashlight to look for coolant on or under the radiator, if no dripping seen from under the front. If that's it, they are fairly easy to replace yourself and only cost about $50 online.
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