Coolant in Oil Analysis
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 87
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From: Missouri City Texas
Coolant in Oil Analysis
Hi Rocket Riders !!! I recently changed the oil in my 2013 427 vert with the LS7 engine. I always send a sample of the oil to Blackstone Labs for Analysis. This most recent result shows a higher presence of Potassium and Sodium which indicates coolant in the Oil . It must be a small amount as I have added only 10oz of coolant over 5540 Miles. I had a pressure test done and the system passed including at operating temperature . I have owned the car since 2014 it has 53,300 miles and this is the first Time the coolant has appeared in the oil analysis. How concerned should I be about this condition ? Is there anything additional I should check or Test ? Does anyone else experience a similar coolant loss ?
Thanks
I appreciate The knowledge On this Form
Ed
Thanks
I appreciate The knowledge On this Form
Ed
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,763
Likes: 1,676
From: Summerville SC
First, I would get a second opinion. I also think that 10 oz on 5400 mi is not a small amount in that short amount of miles. Once they are topped off, I hardly ever have to add anything to any of my vehicles. It must be going somewhere. IF the second opinion agrees with the first one, my thought is that something bad is going to happen. Could be tomorrow, could be in 6 months. But something is going to happen. Just my thoughts. Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 481
From: Potomac MD
My guess is you got a slow head gasket leak. It may not appear on tests with a pressure tool it could do a slow leak as it cools down or under load a lot of cylinder pressure then also. It will get worse over time. You can try a GM coolant tab that might help. Another area might be if you have a water / oil cooler is it getting in that way. When you cold start car is there any white smoke that smells sweet?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
From: Missouri City Texas
Hi Guys !!!
Thanks so much for the response !!! There is no smoke upon start up and I would go for a second opinion does anyone know of an oil analysis company in addition to Blackstone ? I don't know what a GM Coolant Tab is but I will check with my local dealer .
Thanks I appreciate your help
ED
Thanks so much for the response !!! There is no smoke upon start up and I would go for a second opinion does anyone know of an oil analysis company in addition to Blackstone ? I don't know what a GM Coolant Tab is but I will check with my local dealer .
Thanks I appreciate your help
ED
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,818
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From: Boca Raton Florida
Coolant tabs were required with every coolant change on my 1989 C4. Which had great habit of leaking from the intake gaskets. It dissolved in the coolant and sealed small coolant leaks. Still I had to replace intake gaskets 3 times due to coolant leaks where it met the heads. The intake had coolant passages in L98. The trick was tapping and chasing the bolt holes and the bolts so that the intake clamped in properly after torque.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 713
Likes: 62
From: Melbourne Fl.
This is the same as the GM tablets:
Bar's Leaks HDC-12PK Radiator Stop Leak Tablet - 2.1 oz, (Pack of 12) - Walmart.com
This probably won't work for a head gasket leak since the pressure at the gasket crack will keep out the stop leak material.
Bar's Leaks HDC-12PK Radiator Stop Leak Tablet - 2.1 oz, (Pack of 12) - Walmart.com
This probably won't work for a head gasket leak since the pressure at the gasket crack will keep out the stop leak material.
