What Causes Oil in the Water of a Cruze?
2 Answers
The presence of oil in the Cruze's radiator can be attributed to the following three reasons: 1. Cylinder liner damage. Oil in the radiator may be due to cracks in the cylinder liner. Under high pressure, oil can seep directly into the car's radiator through these gaps. 2. Radiator damage. A damaged oil radiator or transmission radiator can also lead to oil mixing in the radiator, which requires inspection. 3. Cylinder gasket damage. If there is oil in the radiator and the high-temperature warning light is also on, it is highly likely due to a damaged cylinder gasket. Because the fuel in the cylinder is under high pressure for a long time, the cylinder liner may become damaged, causing the oil and water channels to become interconnected.
Finding engine oil in the coolant of your Cruze is no small matter. Having driven this model for years and encountered similar issues, I can tell you it's usually caused by a leaking oil cooler or a blown head gasket. Engine oil and coolant should remain completely separate – their mixing indicates internal engine cracks or damage points. The oil contamination turns the coolant into a milky color and clogs the system, impairing engine cooling. Prolonged driving under such conditions may warp the cylinder head or cause overheating. My advice: shut off the engine immediately and have a professional workshop inspect the oil cooler connections and engine gasket. During routine maintenance, monitor coolant color changes closely – prevention is far cheaper than repairs. Remember, never keep driving; it only worsens the problem and skyrockets repair costs.
