How do I get oil out of my vehicle coolant system?

Question

Vauxhall Omega 2.5 V6 oil cooler failure in coolant system.

Vauxhall Omega 2.5 V6. Head gasket is OK. Oil cooler was replaced in September. Rad flush is for rust. Gunk "grows" soft rubber compounds, so don't suggest this.

Answer 1

You need to what we call backflush or reverse the flow of the coolant in the system. as the engine gets hotter ther thermostat located usually near the top of the engine will open and allow coolant to flow to the radiator where it then falls through the channels and the mving air passing through the radiator cools it, so your coolant flows in this direction to remove impurities you have to reverse the flow. Remove the thermostat and then force water the opposite way round the system including the radiator, you can add a flushing compound but the most important thing is to continue witth this until you get clear water, when finished refit the thermostat and new gasket/seal if it has one and then add the correct amount of antifreeze and top off with water til it reaches the level required, run vehicle with the heater on hot until normal operating temp is reached and then very very carefully using a rag gently remove the pressure cap to check the level, if it is low use warm water to top it up as this will avoid a coolant shock to any of the alloy components and gaskets in the engine. It is a time consuming process taking on average 40 mins to complete successfully

Answer 2

This would be a head gasket failure. You will need to disconnect and back wash the whole coolant system. Then get a new head gasket and replace the old one, if you are unsure how to consult a knownedgble friend or family friend or mechanic. Then refill coolant system according to manufacturers specs. Sorry about the luck. Check thermostat also making sure your coolant system isn't obstructed (heater core/ thermostat) also make sure you are getting flow from water pump.

Answer 3

If as you say , the head gasket is ok, then try putting a couple of spoonfuls of baking soda into the cooling system. I know it sounds crazy but it really works. This will clean any thing that shouldnt be in your cooling system. Run it for a couple of days, but no longer as it is quite sore on the system. The drawback is if there is any weakness in the system, this will highlight it, ie, weak hose, radiator core etc. Then flush the system out in both directions with the thermostat removed, refill and bleed it if necessary.

Answer 4

Hey there by the sounds of what your saying its your headgasket i had the same problem with my car i had oil in with my engine coolant so if your not mechanically inclined i'd take it to a garage and its not a cheap job either i'm guessing you will be looking at about $350 for a headgasket kit it comes with everything you need for a head job and labour and the shops hourly rate on top of it .but thats your problem its your headgasket you should have it fixed as soon as you can hope this was helpfull info for you and good luck..oh yeah also have your head plained too this will make a good flat seal again with a new head gasket and you will need to flush your radiator and replace your thermostat as well

Answer 5

First drain and flush the system, then and I think that they sell Dawn ultra dishwashing detergent there get a small bottle and use about half of it. run to operating temp and then flush it again this stuff works wonders and is not harmful to your engine or cooling system. Also works on blown transmission coolers

Answer 6

Drain out about half and then add some detergent and let it circulate in the system by running it. Drain it all out and flush with clean water. Detergent does miracle for oil contamination.

Answer 7

I would check engine oil too, and change if it looks at all choco milky. Change, run a bit, then change again to be sure. Not doing could ruin you engine very fast.
Having a mechanic do a test to make sure it is not head gasket is cheap insurance too. Just in case.

Answer 8

Mr Muscle drain unblocker works a treat, fill with fresh water, run until warm add the unblocker, run for another couple of minutes, drain and flush with fresh warm water. No more mayonaise.

Answer 9

Fix the oil cooler, then drain and refill the coolant, of course.

Answer 10

Use special detergent which breaks up oil then reverse flush with hose pipe