Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil in Cooling System?

[1FSTDSL]

I recently blew my headgasket and after flushing everything and re-assembly I opened up my radiator cap and there was still black oil. :{ Is there a trick to getting all of this out? Will regular coolant flush breakdown oil and clean it out? What about simple green? Do I need to just keep flushing it every couple days?

 

[JFinke]

Use some gel dishwasher detergent. It won't take much. After it runs awhile you'll have to burp the oil out the top of the radiator. I use cascade, but assume any will work. The soap just breaks the oil loose so you can get it floated off the top. Have fun. Jake

 

[Jetpilot]

Liquid clothes detergent works well..... My favorite is ALL. When I blow a head gasket and get oil in the coolant I just drain the coolant, fill with fresh water and ALL, then drive around till good and warm. Drain, flush with water and do again. It gets completely clean by doing this. Also don't forget to remove the overfflow bottle and clean it real good, brake clen is great for it.



Doug

 

[1FSTDSL]

Thanks guys, my wife is definately going to be confused when I ask her to get me laundry/dishwasher soap. :-laf

 

[ntillm01]

At the dealer, the OEMs recommend Calgon or similar. The trick is low-suds. Dishwasher stuff would be best I think. The water pump turns regular dish soap into suds and foam and doesn't move any water through the system then.

Good luck