What Causes Engine Oil in the Coolant Tank of a Diesel Vehicle?
2 Answers
The reasons for engine oil entering the coolant tank are as follows: 1. Cylinder liner damage: The presence of engine oil in the coolant tank may be due to cracks in the cylinder liner. Under high pressure, engine oil can seep directly into the vehicle's coolant tank through these cracks. 2. Radiator damage: Damage to the engine oil radiator or transmission radiator can also cause engine oil to mix with the coolant, requiring inspection. 3. Cylinder head gasket damage: If there is engine oil in the coolant tank and the high-temperature coolant warning light is on, it is highly likely due to a damaged cylinder head gasket. Since the fuel in the cylinder is under high pressure for a long time, the cylinder liner may become damaged, causing the oil and coolant passages to become interconnected.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've seen many cases of engine oil in the radiator. It's usually caused by a blown cylinder head gasket, which allows oil and coolant to mix. A couple of years ago, a friend driving a diesel truck had this exact issue - shortly after hitting the road, the water temperature skyrocketed. Upon inspection, we found an oily film floating in the radiator. We immediately towed it to the repair shop where the mechanic confirmed a ruptured gasket after disassembly. The repair requires major engine disassembly to replace the gasket, followed by thorough flushing of the cooling system. Residual oil contamination can clog pipelines and cause engine lubrication failure, potentially leading to complete engine failure in severe cases. If you encounter similar symptoms, don't tamper with the engine yourself - take it to a professional repair shop for proper handling, ensuring both safety and convenience.
