Sludge in the coolant reservoir tank

[fredsc]

Question regarding a 1991 Corolla commuting vehicle, driven 60 miles a day, total mileage 138,000. For the first time I noticed that there is some sludge in the plastic engine coolant reservoir. I last replaced the coolant 12 months ago. Is there a possible engine gasket problem? What should I do?

I also have a slow oil leak which I believe is occurring at the oil plug. I put a new metal gasket, which looks like a washer, on but since doing so can't seem to get the oil plug tight enough to stop the leak. The oil pan is rusty but I don't thing it's leaky. I'm thinking of removing the gasket (washer) and just going with the plug. Your thoughts?

[03mooncorolla]

What colour is the sludge?

[WhiteRabbit]

if oil got into your coolant, itd look milky

most likely sediment/rust

do a nice flush =)

[emiliorescigno]

My old 1991 Corolla had the same problem, in my case it was engine oil leaking into the coolant (the sludge would return not long after a flush). I suspected it was the headgasket but in my case I didn't bother fixing it, it would have cost more than the car is worth.

Hopefully a flush will take care of it and it won't come back!

[WhiteRabbit]

use prestone's super flush, the one you run for 3-6 hours, then use prestone's anti-rust

[freakinbox]

wouldn't cost that much if you did it yourself. But it most cases you can get a 4afe a 4age for the price of head gasket. But still all you have to do it pull the head pull the lifters. Take the lifters in to be machined, Clean all the sludge out, put it back together