1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Leaking Coolant and Oil in Radiator (HELP NEEDED!!!)
I have been having some issues with my '87 Toyota Camry. It started with white sweet smelling steam coming from the front left side of the car under my hood (around where the coolant reservoir and battery are). Coolant would also leak out of the car at around the same area as where the steam was coming from. This happened about 3 times and each time I pulled over and allowed the engine to cool off. After that had happened a few times, I was driving and the car completely stopped. I attempted to start it, but the engine would start but not turn over. After allowing the car to cool off for a while the car would start, but not wanting to drive it home, I called a tow truck. So, I went home and was thinking that it was just a leak in the radiator, so my dad and I went to replace the radiator. As I was taking the radiator out, some oil came out of the radiator. What does this mean, and what should I do about it?
sounds like you have a leaking head gasket check the engine oil is it foamy ?? does it look like there's coolant in there ? did you ever overheated the car ?? what color is the smoke from the exhaust ?
__________________
(\(\
( - -)
((') (')
Quantum mechanics - the dreams that stuff is made of.
sounds like you have a leaking head gasket check the engine oil is it foamy ?? does it look like there's coolant in there ? did you ever overheated the car ?? what color is the smoke from the exhaust ?
The engine oil doesn't really look as if there is coolant inside of it. But, the car has overheated and the smoke that came from the engine was white. I have read that people with similar symptoms either have a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. How would I know the difference, as I know that I may be able to replace the head gasket, but a cracked cylinder head means my car is basically dead?
from what i experienced, when my engine overheated, it put a small crack on the cylinder head and it had to be resurfaced..hence,the oil mixing with the coolant,kind of mocha-ish..white smoke coming out of the exhaust..the head gasket was fine..but i got it replaced anyway..depending on the crack, resurfacing might run you around $200-$400,not including labor..maybe more..not too sure..
Hmm.... The interesting thing about this situation is that, when I checked the level of oil there seemed to be absolutley no loss. The oil levels were completely full and they didn't look as if they were mixed with any coolant. Also whenI checked the engine cap, there was nothing abnormal about it. So I don't think coolant is getting into the engine. Also, when I emptied the radiator, the oil was coming out of a completely different hole than the coolant and it doesn't seem like it mixed what so ever. The oil only came out when I removed the hose from the botto
of the radiator. What do you guys think about that?
Okay then.... that's great, so it's supposed to be there. Then, if oil is not getting into the radiator and the radiator fluid is not getting into the oil, I wonder if it is actually a problem within the head gasket or just a leak in one of the hoses. There was also no white steam coming out of the back of my car, only on the front left side by the coolant reservoir.
Ok, so today my dad and I were going to try to put our old radiator back in the car and get it pressure tested to see what could be wrong with it. Well, we put the radiator back inside the car and filled it with water since we didn't have any coolant handy. When we did I noticed that coolant was leaking out of the bottom of the car again, exactly where the smoke usually comes out of. I started feeling around that area and found te radiator was dripping. Do you think that this could have been the cause of all my problems? Just a bad radiator? Should I just replace the radiator and see what happens?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
check the engine oil is it foamy ?? does it look like there's coolant in there ? did you ever overheated the car ?? what color is the smoke from the exhaust ?
that's not engine oil that's ATF ... reddish in color ??
Linear Mode
