What are the reasons for engine oil entering the radiator?
2 Answers
The reasons for engine oil entering the radiator are: 1. The cylinder gasket is damaged, causing the oil passage and water passage to connect; 2. High fuel pressure in the cylinder, under high pressure, engine oil enters the radiator through cracks in the cylinder liner; 3. The engine oil cooler is damaged; 4. The transmission radiator malfunctions. Methods to handle engine oil entering the radiator: 1. Disconnect the overflow tank and turn off the heater; 2. Rinse the radiator opening with clean water. Hazards of engine oil entering the radiator: 1. Chemical reaction with antifreeze; 2. Affects the flow performance, heat dissipation performance, anti-corrosion, and anti-scaling properties of the antifreeze; 3. Causes an increase in water temperature and aging of water pipes.
Last time I had my car repaired, I checked this issue. Oil entering the radiator is mainly due to engine seal failure. The most common cause is the aging seal of the oil cooler, which is located near the engine. Oil leaks into the cooling pipes from here. If the engine head gasket is burnt out, it's even more troublesome—oil and coolant directly mix in the cylinder head, a problem often seen in older cars used for long-distance travel. Remember, if you find oil traces in the radiator, stop driving immediately. Otherwise, not only can sludge clog the radiator, but the engine might also suffer from cylinder scoring, which is expensive to repair. I always recommend cleaning the entire cooling system when replacing the seal, as residual oil can render new antifreeze ineffective.
