When coolant mixes with engine oil, it can cause serious damage to your engine. This can lead to engine failure and costly repairs.

If you suspect that coolant is mixing with your engine oil, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes coolant to mix with engine oil and how you can fix the problem.

What Causes Coolant to Mix with Engine Oil?

There are a few different reasons why coolant can mix with engine oil:

1. Leaking Head Gasket

The head gasket is a critical component that sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. It seals the combustion chamber and prevents coolant from entering the engine oil passages. If the head gasket fails, it can allow coolant to enter the engine oil passages and mix with the oil.

2. Cracked Engine Block

A crack in the engine block or cylinder head can also allow coolant to enter the engine oil passages and mix with the oil.

3. An Oil Cooler Failure

Some engines have an oil cooler that uses engine coolant to cool the oil. If the oil cooler fails, it can allow coolant to mix with the engine oil. Some Oil cooler failure causes are corrosion, faulty installation, blocked passages, etc.

Things To Check While Fixing Coolant Mixing with Engine Oil

The fix for coolant mixing with engine oil will depend on the cause of the problem. Here are the steps you can take to fix the problem:

• Check the head gasket: If you suspect that the head gasket is the cause of the problem, you can perform a compression test or a leak-down test to confirm the diagnosis. If the head gasket is damaged, it will need to be replaced. This is a complex and time-consuming job that should only be attempted by an experienced mechanic.
• Check for cracks in the engine block or cylinder head: If you suspect that there is a crack in the engine block or cylinder head, you can perform a visual inspection or use a pressure tester to check for leaks. If a crack is found, the engine block or cylinder head will need to be replaced. This is another complex and time-consuming job that should only be attempted by an experienced mechanic.
• Check the oil cooler: If your engine has an oil cooler, you can check it for leaks or damage. If the oil cooler is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Change the engine oil and coolant: If the coolant has mixed with the engine oil, you will need to change both fluids. This is important because the coolant can damage bearings and other engine components if left in the oil for too long. You will also need to flush the cooling system to remove any remaining coolant.
• Run the engine: After you have fixed the problem and changed the fluids, you will need to run the engine to ensure that everything is working properly. Check the oil and coolant levels regularly to make sure that they are not mixing again.

Does It Affect The Life of The Engine?

If coolant mixes with engine oil, it can have a significant impact on the life of the engine. Coolant is designed to keep the engine’s temperature down, while engine oil is meant to lubricate the moving parts of the engine.

When coolant mixes with engine oil:

• It can reduce the lubricating properties of the oil, causing increased friction between the moving parts.
• This increased friction can cause excessive wear and tear on the engine, leading to premature failure.
• Additionally, coolant can cause damage to the bearings and other metal surfaces in the engine. This is because coolant contains additives, such as silicates and phosphates, that can be abrasive and cause pitting and corrosion of metal surfaces.
• Over time, this can cause leaks, blockages, and other issues in the engine’s cooling system, leading to overheating and further damage.

Mixing coolant with engine oil can have a detrimental effect on the life of the engine, and it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

Cost To Fix Coolant in Oil?

The cost to fix coolant in your oil in India can vary depending on several factors, such as

• The make and model of your vehicle
• The extent of the damage caused by the coolant
• Labor costs charged by the repair shop.

In general, repairing coolant mixing with engine oil can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires a thorough inspection of the engine to identify the source of the problem. The repair process may involve replacing damaged gaskets, seals, or other engine components, as well as flushing the engine and replacing the oil and coolant.

The cost of these repairs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of rupees, depending on the extent of the damage and the specific parts that need to be replaced. Labor costs can also vary depending on the mechanic’s experience and the location of the repair shop.

It is recommended to get a detailed estimate from a trusted mechanic or service center in your area to get a more accurate idea of the cost of fixing coolant in your oil in India.

Conclusion

When coolant mixes with engine oil, it can cause serious damage to your engine. If you suspect that this is happening, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage.

The fix for the problem will depend on the cause of the issue, and it’s important to have an experienced mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can fix the problem and get your engine running smoothly again.