Coolant is milkshake

[Ultraviolet]

Astra J auto Sri, 2010 plate, 50k miles. 

The coolant in the expansion tank has turned into what I can only describe as a thick chocolate milkshake. Currently arguing with a finance company as I haven’t had the car long. Assumed it was an oil cooler problem however two garages won’t touch it because it might not be an oil cooler issue, Vauxhall themselves have quoted six hours to flush and strip it all for a diagnosis but think it’s engine oil and not transmission oil and have said it might need a new engine.

Third local Indy garage got me down there to show me it has the wrong radiator on it because it has a blanked off intercooler and it’s a petrol car, they also won’t touch it.

Any ideas? Any recommendations on where I can take it in the Nottinghamshire area?

[Jpbroad1970]

That's a strange one, sounds head gasket to me but as your gearbox should cool through a separate circuit in your radiator I believe it could have burst on the inside, I'd be flushing the engine and changing the radiator first.

[vocky]

most likely the head gasket, but can be the engine oil cooler (if fitted). Is there any sludge in the sump / on the dipstick ?

One option to flush out the coolant system is to drain the current oily sludge, fill back up with tap water and add half a cup of Ariel washing powder to the coolant. Run up to temperature and drain the liquid, repeat until the system is clean.

Obviously you still need to fix the leak, but the above method does work to remove the sludge, plus your car also smells fresh for a few days lol

[Rusty2009]

You may need to play the song I'm forever blowing bubbles lol.

Sorry not helpful I know but all I had were visions for the car blowing bubbles while running washing powder through it.

[vocky]

as strange as it sounds, it works. I used this method on a zafira, took three attempts to remove the oil.

ps: no bubbles either lol

[Jpbroad1970]

When I worked for volvo it was their official guideline, so I agree. Daft as I sound I think it had to be non biological.

It does work though for sure