Coolant in oil from oil cooler?

Discuss topics related to the CA18DE and CA18DET series engines.
577ftg
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Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:59 pm

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Question... The standard oil coolers, are they prone to putting oil into the coolant? Reason being I don't have a warped head, the block isn't cracked and the head gasket wasn't blown.


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AZhitman
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When you say "standard", what do you mean? Aftermarket? Factory? What car?

Typically, an aftermarket oil cooler is air-to-air (not air-to-water, like a radiator), so there's no way it could get contaminated unless one of the three scenarios you mentioned above are, in fact, in existence.

Have you done a compression and leakdown test?

I can't think of any other way to get coolant in the oil.

Welcome aboard!

577ftg
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Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:59 pm

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Thanks for the welcome.
The standard little water/oil disc one under the oil filter. Or at least that's what's on an Australian engine. LOL. And the engine came out of an S14 I think, not sure, I'm putting it in a 1600.

boost_boy
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The standard nissan oil coolers are not commonly known to cause a mixture of oil and water, but it is not impossible. I have personally seen one come loose at the large nut-like object on the top of the housing and below that nut-like housing is large O-rings. If there is no mixture in the block's cooling passages, no mixture in your head nor radiator, I would lflush it out and start over fresh. Be sure to make certain that your oil cooler housing is not loose and let us know how it goes.

577ftg
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Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:59 pm

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Thanks. It will be a little while as I'm working on the body atm. I paid bugger all for the engine so I guess at some point I will have to pay to get it all professionally tested.


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