oil in coolant

[passitbob]

I have 2 318's and was checking the coolant the other day to make sure they are both good to 40 below.  I live in the Adironbacks in upstate N.Y.  One of the cars has oil in the coolant.  The car did overheat this summer but i caugt it before it got to the red zone.  I put in coolant and some bars leak and no more problems until now.  Also heat is warm but not hot. There is no coolant in the oil pan, the dipstick is all oil at correct level. Thanks in advance for the help.

[DesktopDave]

How's the back of the oil fill cap look?  I've used Bar's StopLeak before, but I'm not sure it's a good idea most of the time.  Tends to plug up the delicate (*cough cough* crap *cough cough* disposable) BMW radiator.

I'm not an expert on M42 overhauls (haven't torn mine down yet)...does anyone know if oil can get into the coolant from the profile gasket or timing cover gasket?  Either way I suspect you'll need to pull the head.  I'd guess a head gasket leak myself, hopefully it's not a cracked head.

Personally, I'd get a leak-down test.  At a minimum I'd pull the plugs & test compression.  I'd go get that done professionally since I'm no expert with a compression gauge.  That'd give me a head start on fixing the motor...replacing the head gasket, or looking for a good used head.

I wouldn't figure these tests would cost that much, and a pro usually has great suggestions or might even discount repairs if he's having a slow week.  Get it fixed before the head warps or cracks.

[passitbob]

Thanks Dave,  I can handle the compression test.  I was looking for other things that may be specific to this motor like the profile gasket.  I want to try the easy, least costly options before pulling the head.  Bob

[DesktopDave]

I hear you, I'd do exactly the same thing.

IMHO the compression test is helpful, but a good ear on a leak-down can tell you much more about the engine.  I've heard stories of mechanics that can pinpoint exactly where the problem is from the sound of the air.

[longms]

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Can somebody please ban this guy

[3bvert]

I hear you, I'd do exactly the same thing.

IMHO the compression test is helpful, but a good ear on a leak-down can tell you much more about the engine.  I've heard stories of mechanics that can pinpoint exactly where the problem is from the sound of the air.

true
air out the exsaust, exssasut valve issue
out the intake manifold, , intake valve issue, into the valve cover and not in water, , head gasket into an oil passage or rings, into the radiator, blown gasket into a water jacket

before we had leak down testers, we just hooked up an air hose to a spark plug fitting, and pumped air into each cylinder, not to exceed normal compression of the car