I just purchased this van a few weeks ago. I have been working through a few cosmetic items and decided to pull a oil sample to send in even though it looked fine from a visual. You know it isn't good when the oil lab calls and tells you to dump your oil now...
Here is the report:
Code:
copper 25 Silicon 20
iron 79 Sodium- 452
chrom------2 Potassium 1032
alum------11
lead------26 Visc 10.23 Oxidation 0 Nitration 29
This is on a GM 3.4L with 135k miles that had good records and maintainance history since new. The original intake manifold gaskets were replaced at 36k miles by dealer. Again at 86k miles by independant garage (using the "new redesigned" GM gaskets set) and now it looks like it will be time to do the job again. Seems 50k is about all one can get with the GM manifold gaskets - Dexcool antifreeze had been changed and the level kept full over the years but I will switch to something else now - perhaps Zerex G05.
Of course I am now trying to nail down how the coolant is leaking into the engine oil. I did a pressure test of the system and it repeatedly drops from 15 lbs back to about 7 lbs within minute or two. It will not hold pressure above the 7 lbs.
Doesn't that basically confirm another intake manifold gasket leak so can I rule out a problem with the head gaskets?
I will try and do the repairs myself unless it something beyond the intake manifold gaskets.
The van runs fine with no engine issues other than this antifreeze leak and even though the wear metal numbers are high I hope they will come back down once I get the coolant out of the oil.
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Here is the report:
Code:
copper 25 Silicon 20
iron 79 Sodium- 452
chrom------2 Potassium 1032
alum------11
lead------26 Visc 10.23 Oxidation 0 Nitration 29
This is on a GM 3.4L with 135k miles that had good records and maintainance history since new. The original intake manifold gaskets were replaced at 36k miles by dealer. Again at 86k miles by independant garage (using the "new redesigned" GM gaskets set) and now it looks like it will be time to do the job again. Seems 50k is about all one can get with the GM manifold gaskets - Dexcool antifreeze had been changed and the level kept full over the years but I will switch to something else now - perhaps Zerex G05.
Of course I am now trying to nail down how the coolant is leaking into the engine oil. I did a pressure test of the system and it repeatedly drops from 15 lbs back to about 7 lbs within minute or two. It will not hold pressure above the 7 lbs.
Doesn't that basically confirm another intake manifold gasket leak so can I rule out a problem with the head gaskets?
I will try and do the repairs myself unless it something beyond the intake manifold gaskets.
The van runs fine with no engine issues other than this antifreeze leak and even though the wear metal numbers are high I hope they will come back down once I get the coolant out of the oil.
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