'04 Civic overheating & has oil in the coolant. WTF?

Question

Ughhhh...  So much trouble with the beast lately.

So now it's overheating.  The temp guage fluctuates from its usual position and has gone up to the red 4 times, so far today.  The cabin heat works off and on.  So, I checked the fluid level in the coolant reservoir and it's overflowing.  I haven't added any coolant to the car, but did need to add oil a couple weeks back.  So I stuck my finger into the reservoir to see if it was even warm, and no it's cold.  But more importantly there's effing engine oil in the coolant!

I recently [March] had the water-pump replaced when they did the timing belt for PM.  I'm pretty darn sure I don't have a blow head gasket, since the car's performing OK and the exhaust in unremarkable.

Any idea what the schmucks at the dealer did wrong and what it's gonna cost me to fix, since they're probably going to refuse to pay for it?


Thanx a bunch!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You're pretty sure? Based on what knowledge.
You have oil in the coolant, let's see where can those two things blend together? Oh wait!! I know!! The head gasket!!!
The head seals more than just the combustion chamber. It also seals passages for pressurized oil and coolant. Now if you are still "pretty sure" the alternative is the block or head is cracked. Also, if you have an oil cooler that cools the oil with coolant instead of air, it can leak internally.
Two things you need to do. Do not start your approach by blaming the "Shmucks" for your cars condition. and. Let the "Shmucks" start helping you by letting THEM diagnose your cause.

Anonymous · Answer

you have a flow challenge. The air gets chilly because of the fact the coolant isn't circulating throughout the heater middle, and it overheats because of the fact the coolant isn't circulating throughout the radiator. i might suspect you the two have in inner challenge at the same time with your water pump, or a blockage someplace interior the gadget. It remains cool once you're moving because of the fact the air is blowing around the motor, and the waterpump in moving at an better RPM while the motor is at an better RPM. A caught thermostat could desire to reason subject concerns like this besides. i might replace the thermostat, and thoroughly powerflush the cooling gadget. If that does no longer artwork, i might geive an extensive look on the waterpump. I even have seen broken impellers reason undesirable flow.

sheerkhan · Answer

As sure as you are about the head gaskit, I double that the head gaskit is bad if you are lucky, or might have a cracked block. When your water pump went bad you kept driving didn't you? There are tests that can be performed like checking for exhust gas in your cooling system so on....

Maverick · Answer

Why would you openly bad mouth auto technicians and ask for our help here? Kinda like biting the hand that feeds you huh?
Anyhow my guess is its the Oil Cooler leaking internally and has coated/plugged the T-stat and rediator tubing. No circulation = overheat at idle. but good luck......

Anonymous · Answer

It could be a head gasket, cracked engine block, or an oil cooler.

mina · Answer

check your thermostat! or peak in your engine if you have any leakage! or a blown hose! or even your radiator

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'04 Civic overheating & has oil in the coolant. WTF?

6 Answers