Suspected head gasket on a 206.. But it can't be?? Any ideas? =)?

Ok, the coolant is basically brown. Chocolate Milkshake colour, there is definately oil getting into the system, but the oil is perfect. I mean really perfect. Black and smooth as anything. And i've run the car in after a fresh oil change and water change, the water turns the same. Now it could mean that the previous owner has poured oil into the coolant bottle, but after cleaning it out (as best as possible) alot of oil is still mixing with water. Now i know alot of oil would have stuck to the radiator, and with the heat, freed up and re-mixed with the fresh coolant. The oil remains perfect though?


I am the new owner, and unable to find out what exactly has happened in the past, (nobody is gonna admit to pouring oil into the wrong hole)... I dont think its that simple though. There is no smoke, and engine is running at constant normal temperature. It's booked into the garage for this bank holiday monday.. Would appreciate your input =)

Suspected head gasket on a 206.. But it can't be?? Any ideas? =)?
You bought a a car with bad engine condition. You are right, it could be the head gasket. But first, did you do a total overhaul of the radiator, that is removing it and totally cleaning it? If so, then try tightening the screw of the head block. Set it about 90 lbs using a torque wrench. If the bolt is tight, then replace your gasket. Do a top overhaul. The oil pressure is higher than the water pressure so there is no water in the oil but oil in the water.
Reply:If your oil is clean, and leaking into the radiator, it would be going lower on the dipstick. It could be a gasket, a bad radiator, or, if you bought it that way, some coolant additive to stop an existing coolant leak. If you are sure it is oil, it would not be all brown, but floating atop the coolant for, the oil is lighter. It would be separated not mixed all brown.


If you are not using oil, you should flush the radiator and cooling system REAL GOOD, then fill it with water and use a pressure tester to search for leaks. (with the heater control to hot so circulation goes through the heater core), If you find no leaks(check the interior floor under dash at heater core housing too) and the engine has been performing properly and no oil used or contamination, run it to temp, drain and flush, refill, run engine to temp, repeat until it drains clear with no discoloration. Then fill with antifreeze mix. If you are going through oil, it is more than a retard dumping oil in your coolant.
Reply:The engine can be forcing gas/oil into the water jacket, but not sucking water into the cylinder to get into the oil.





On the intake stroke, the valve is open letting air and gas in, so the vacuum isn't that great at the head gasket area. However, when the combustion occurs, there is tremendous pressure built up in the cylinder, and it will find any small leak to escape.





A simple pressure test at the radiator cap will determine if the coolant system in under too much pressure.