Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Discovery => Topic started by: muddyjames on November 24, 2005, 17:48:04

Title: oily radiator water
Post by: muddyjames on November 24, 2005, 17:48:04
I checked my radiator fluid level today and it is full (to the max mark) but I stuck my finger in the water and it was a bit oily and scummy on the surface.

Any ideas why?

Should I just flush the system out?
Title: oily radiator water
Post by: rollazuki on November 24, 2005, 20:19:35
Erm.......

Dont want to bear bad news, but that kinda suggests head/headgasket problems.

You losing any water?
Start car from cold with rad cap off, any bubbles gush out?
Title: oily radiator water
Post by: Carroll on November 24, 2005, 20:23:31
Unless you've used a mucky funnel or something to fill the coolant system, chances are that something that has water and oil in it at the same time is starting to leak.

I'd flush your system, to see if it comes back AND regularly check your oil to see if it starts to look emulsified. Water and oil might be mixing via the head gasket. (Another clue if this happens is that your oil level can seem to go up)

All the best!
Title: oily radiator water
Post by: muddyjames on November 24, 2005, 20:50:26
when I went to see the disco muddy steve took the cap off and he said there was no bubbling.

it isnt like black engine oil it is like a cooking oil consistency.

i will give it a flush through and see.
Title: oily radiator water
Post by: Range Rover Blues on November 25, 2005, 01:40:57
If it's just a light scum it could be the water that was used to top it up previouosly.  Wait and see what it's like after you've flushed it before fearing the worst


PS. anti-freeze can feel a bit oily too.
Title: oily radiator water
Post by: muddysteve on November 25, 2005, 05:14:14
looked ok when i looked in there - prolly just the anti freeze making it look oily. unless its full of white emulsion dont worry about it.

either that or your just worrying to much - i'll have a look on sunday but i'm sure it wont be anbthing to worry about it sounded to sweet to have a gasket on its way out

it will also lubricate your water pump  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Steve
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal