water in radiator looks oily n greasy

[bmadzi65]

dear all sifus,i just noticed that the water in the radiator is oily n greasy. can anybody out there tell me whats wrong with that? i was told that the engine need to be top overhauled...is it true?TQ

 

[fabianyee]

i think this has been discussed before.... it's either the water got mixed with engine oil or mixed with ATF....

If water + engine oil = head gasket gone... check oso the engine oil dipstick. if milky instead of black, then confirmed....
If water + ATF = radiator issue as the ATF oil cooler is integrated in the radiator...

 

[bmadzi65]

already check the dipstick...the oil still black. i would say its water mix atf...if that so normally what the mech wud do? really appreciate yr feedback.
TQ

 

[arin]

yesterday i went to workshop..i saw 1 car change the atf. The colour like a mud. I ask a mech. Atf+water becoz of atf cooler leak. In result, they changed atf cooler(silver steel) under radiator.

 

[bmadzi65]

Surprisingly...this morning i checked the radiator and only a little greasy n oily water compared to 2 days ago....is it normal? or is it the sign that everything is ok?....so confused. For yr info a few days ago i changed thermostat n water-pump, atf oil as well as atf gasket.

 

[zam zainal]

already check the dipstick...the oil still black. i would say its water mix atf...if that so normally what the mech wud do? really appreciate yr feedback.
TQ

Agreed with fabian,

Your GB cooler leak, ATF oil goes to cooling system, reflush the gb oil first

 

[puginfo]

well if you did a thermostat/water pump job, there would be very little gease/oil on the top surface of the water. this is beacuse they may be using oil or even grease to assemble the parts like the radiator hoses or the water pump to make things fit easier. this act will show up as oil on top of the water after water circulates. try to just overfill with more water till all the oil clears from there and remove some water to the correct level by suction hose. check again after fews days.

if atf leaks inside it would be white color, h.gasket leak would be milky brown and will match with the dipstick as well.

 

[bmadzi65]

ermm....i think puginfo is right, i did overfill, and as you said no more oil on water surface. I am a happy man now. TQ very much