Bananas Peel Radiator and Bubbly Oil

[Fly_R_Die]

My brothers 97' Q45 with 122k

About a week ago he was driving home and suddenly he the temp rose all the way to the right, and then he heard a sound similar to a tire blow out and saw this




After getting it home my dad suggested draining the oil, and saw this.



My dad thinks its a head gasket. Any other suggestions?

[Q451990]

From the picture, I don't know that the oil looks that bad. Typically oil that has mixed with coolant looks from a head gasket leak looks like a chocolate milkshake. Hell of a radiator failure though! I think I'd try replacing the radiator, refilling with fresh oil, and see what happens.

Heath

[qship96]

thermostat may have failed,replace that along with the radiator.....I bought a CSF brand radiator over 8 years and 135,000+++ miles ago,inexpensive and durable,I would say. That oil does not look to have any coolant in it,but does look dirty! Not a bad idea to drain/fill transmission 3-4 times after installing new radiator,as the ATF heat exchanger uses radiator coolant to "cool" the ATF fluid,and since your coolant overheated,the ATF most likely ran hotter than normal also.

[Skibane]

Let the drained oil sit for a while, and then take another look at it.

If those are air bubbles, they'll quickly dissipate.

If those are pockets of coolant, they'll still be there.

[dusman59]

About two weeks ago I noticed some dried antifreeze coming from under the top radiator hose. Thought it was just a lose cap or hose clamp but it was a small hairline crack. Bought a new OEM radiator from rock auto for $72 where Autozone wanted close to $500. I bet this same thing would happen if I did not notice the small leak. The plastic top radiators sure aren't like the old brass ones.

[qship96]

About two weeks ago I noticed some dried antifreeze coming from under the top radiator hose. Thought it was just a lose cap or hose clamp but it was a small hairline crack. Bought a new OEM radiator from rock auto for $72 where Autozone wanted close to $500. I bet this same thing would happen if I did not notice the small leak. The plastic top radiators sure aren't like the old brass ones.

Just to be clear,neither rock auto nor autozone sell the OEM nissan radiator....they carry aftermarket direct fit radiators,but not the genuine nissan branded part.

[dusman59]

Thanks for the correction. Guess I can have 5 replacement non OEM for the genuine OEM(Nissan).Lol

[qship96]

Yup! the factory part is extremely overpriced,as are most genuine nissan parts these days.........$80 for a simple brake "shim kit" which is nothing but 1 ounce of aluminum and fiber bits......what a joke!