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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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Sludge/Oil residue under Radiator cap

  • Thread starter Thread starter Xticee
  • Start date Start date Apr 9, 2008
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Xticee

New Member
Oct 1, 2007
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Apr 9, 2008
#1
  • Apr 9, 2008
  • #1
I've been trying to track down a coolant leak from the front and back of the engine. I finally made it out to get a pressure tester for the cooling system, but when I pulled the radiator cap off it was covered in a layer of black sludge, kinda felt like chapstick. Coolank had a light layer of it floating on top as well. I gotta assume it's oil contaminating the system, but does this give any clues as to where my leak may be? The coolant leak is pooling on top of the timing cover and dripping down the backside of fengine. Maybe a lower intake manifold rather than a head gasket/bolt?

Thanks!
Jay
 

Chythar

Recently finished repairing my rear
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2004
2,373
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Foothill Ranch, CA
Apr 9, 2008
#2
  • Apr 9, 2008
  • #2
Possibly bad lower intake gaskets (between the heads and the intake) It's also possible you have a blown head gasket. I had that happen TWICE with my V6 - I was getting exhaust into the coolant causing the same residue you describe. Do you see any white smoke coming from the exhaust? A sweet-smelling exhaust? You could also be burning coolant.
 
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