check rad or trans cooler?

V8POWA! · Feb 12, 2011

i probably have a blown head gasket on my 96 gt. but to make sure, i wanted to check the radiator and the transmission cooler (automatic). there was some kind or oil in my overflow tank (basically was a iced coffee). i emptied all the oil and radiator and refilled the oil. then hooked up the rad and overflow tank. un plugged the hose that goes to the rad after going thermostat. we got the hose and filled up the overflow tank with water, and started it. we were filling the overflow tank while it was sucking up the water and was going out of the thermostat into a bucket. after a few times the water was getting clear. think its possible that the rad is clogged and or the tra s cooler leaked into the rad whiich is where the oil came from instead? does this make sense?

any help, suggestions, or ideas would help greatly!!

ccasion14:

mike97gt · Feb 12, 2011

tranny cooler should just be air to oil so it shouldnt mix in with your coolant.
are you getting any air bubbles in the overflow tank as you run the engine?

try getting a radiator pressure tester. pump it up to 14-15psi and let it sit. if the pressure drops then you have a leak somewhere. could still be headgasket and might not show up using just the rad pressure tester though.
good luck

V8POWA! · Feb 13, 2011

when we put everything back to normal, fill up the overflow tank to full, then start it. after like 6-10 minutes i stead of it overheating, the overflow tank actually overflow out by the cap and water n nasty brown stuff goes everywhere...

mike97gt · Feb 13, 2011

oil level going down as this happens?

V8POWA! · Feb 14, 2011

nope, checked the oil and it was still full...

i replaced the thermostat and now its flowing better into the radiator, before i think the thermostat wasn't opening. now the fan isnt working, anyway to check that?