Oil in my radiator

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Feb 9, 2019 | 12:13 PM

Jckwgn

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10th Gear

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Oil in my radiator

Hello all, my 07 RDX has oil in the radiator, compression test is ok and no water in engine oil or transmission and I know the turbo uses both oil and water for lube and cooling but I don't know how the two can mix. It has 180,000 miles but I don't know any service history , only had it 2 months. Thanks for any help .

Feb 10, 2019 | 07:51 AM

Boxster98

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2018

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Oil in coolant

keep us posted on what you find.

i was hoping for your sake it is ATF fluid in the coolant ( as the ATF has a cooler that runs through the radiator), but if it is oil from the motor then you have a really bad issue.

maybe head gasket ? Turbo ? Or worse a crack somewhere in the engine

Feb 10, 2019 | 08:25 AM

Jckwgn

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My first thought was the head gasket but a pressure test held 15 pounds for at least 3 hours.

Feb 10, 2019 | 08:29 AM

Jckwgn

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And it has a new radiator

Feb 10, 2019 | 07:55 PM

CSmoney28

CSmoney28

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From: New York State

Did you do a dye test in the radiator and check for a bad head gasket? Worst case you have to check for a cracked head.

Feb 11, 2019 | 10:55 AM

Tomtwtwtw

Three Wheelin'

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I'd also be willing to bet on internal radiator failure, even if it's a new rad. Could have been defective from the get go. Maybe try pulling the tranny dipstick or draining a bit of fluid to see if there's any evidence of contamination there as well? Same with motor oil.

Feb 11, 2019 | 10:57 AM

thoiboi

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From: SoCal, CA

+1 on being ATF instead of oil. Internal radiator failure is not uncommon, i take it the 'new radiator' was from the previous owner? I'd just go and get a DENSO replacemenet and flush the transmission and put in new Honda Type II coolant

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Feb 11, 2019 | 07:26 PM

Jckwgn

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10th Gear

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I haven't done a dye test and there is no sign of water in the oil or trans fluid and the radiator is a Denso but , yes it could be leaking. I keep looking ,thanks all

Feb 15, 2019 | 12:23 AM

CSmoney28

CSmoney28

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From: New York State

No problem I hope it works out for you, keep us all updated please.

Feb 15, 2019 | 06:27 AM

#10

Jckwgn

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Now I have water leaking from somewhere above the turbo , I need to find that first since that makes the car undrivable. Hints?

Feb 15, 2019 | 08:02 PM

#11

CSmoney28

CSmoney28

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From: New York State

Do you have any pictures or videos of this new leak?

Feb 16, 2019 | 09:40 AM

#12

Jckwgn

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10th Gear

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Found the leak, some hoses near the turbo, had to pull the intercooler and the air box ,also a good time to inspect the wastegate maybe correct the pesky 2263 code. Found some suspicious vacuum lines too.