Dhiren314

So I think I might have a head gasket issue but I’m skeptial because my oil looks fine just low and I don’t billow smoke through my exhaust. But I am low on coolant and oil. Under my car near the oil pan there’s a good amount of a goo-ey brown substance and at the back passenger side of the engine in the engine bay.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

It's kind of hard to tell from the pictures, but to my eye that looks like a coolant/oil emulsion. Typically when I see that kind of stuff outside the engine, I also see it inside the engine and/or radiator (and very rarely inside the automatic transmission if so equipped).

At this point it might make sense to steam clean or jet spray the engine to get that stuff off, and then keep a close eye on things so you can identify the source.

Dhiren314

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Hmmm, typically if it is a head gasket there would be contamination in either the oil or the coolant. You might want to get UV oil leak detection kit to help you find the source of the leak.

Dhiren314

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Hard to tell from the pictures; closely inspect the boots on the axles, if one is cracked it should be readily apparent.

Dhiren314

Dhiren314

sparc

If it is at a mechanic, talk to him and report back what he says. The extra info you post here will give you better overall advice.

Dhiren314

frankjnjr

Again, it's difficult to tell, from the pics., but, if the engine is consistently low on coolant, as you said, and there are no apparent coolant leaks, it could be a head gasket issue. If so, it's ODD, that you don't see any light colored smoke, coming out the exhaust, especially. on a cold start. Removal, and examination, of the (Burn Pattern) exhibited on the spark plugs, may shed some light, on your problem. The substance, " The coolant was also spewed all over my battery " needs some clarification. Was it coolant, that was "spewed all over your battery", or was it the, " gooey " like substance? Just curious, as to how it may have reached the battery! Have you checked, the coolant recover bottle, the under-side of the engine oil fill cap, the under-side of the radiator fill cap, and the engine oil dip stick, for signs of this contamination?

Dhiren314

zeta

iTrader: (1)

If I had to guess, I'd say it was inner CV boot grease.

OP, when you do find out, please update this thread.

Dhiren314

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Looks like baby took a all over your engine bay.

I don't think there's an oil cooler on a 3G. I think frankjnjr's suggestion to check the plugs is a good idea. Although if it's somehow not resulting in oil or coolant entering the cylinder I suppose you wouldn't see anything.

How much oil and coolant are you having to add and how often? Just a little here and there or a good amount each week?

Dhiren314

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Regardless of whether coolant is causing the muck in your engine bay, I'd get that leak found and fixed.

Dhiren314

Dhiren314

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Nice; facing the possibility of a four-figure repair bill, you'll gladly pay $285.

Dhiren314

I gladly paid the bill, he did a transmission flush for me as well. My TL is back to normal. Still keeping a close eye on everything

truonghthe

I about to see according to the pics I saw a bad axle not BHG.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Good to hear. Axles are a much smaller problem than a bad head gasket.

Dhiren314

Well now if anyone else gets a heart attack like me they now know it can be an axle. I found out the oil is leaking from the back valve cover. there is dried oil and dirt over one of the bolts that hold it on. It leaks half of the mesh an oil change, I dont see it as that big an issue as long as I keep up on the oil level. But if it is that big a deal or it can lead to bigger issues. I will change it out eventually. Heard they are a trouble to replace and get to.

frankjnjr

Hey Dhiren314, would you please explain, the quantity, of oil leaking, " It leaks half of the mesh an oil change,". BTW, changing out, the rear rocker arm cover gasket, is a little time consuming, but it's not really that difficult. If you decide to give it a try, you should also replace the spark plug well seals, while you have the cover off. You might also try, torquing the cover bolts, TO SPEC, in case the seal has (shrunk), contributing to the leak. If you decide to tighten the bolts, and or replace the seals, be very careful, and tighten the bolts to the CORRECT torque. An in-experienced person, can easily over-tighten these bolts, and they will BREAK!

Dhiren314

frankjnjr

Your engine oil consumption rate, is exceptionally GOOD. Mine uses about one half pint, between 5K change intervals, and I have close to 240K on my car! Timing belt service is recommended every 105K, or 7 years. If your uncertain, that the timing belt, was ever replaced, I would suggest, you have it done, SOONER, rather than LATER!

nfnsquared

How the hell did your mechanic replace bad axles (even 1 axle) for only $285??

Dhiren314

I bought it with 100k, sent it off the next day to the mechanic because I've been taught to always do it at 100k. Tensioner, belt, serpentine belt and a pulley and tensioner for that as well was done. If the oil consumption gets out of hand I'll change it early. Ive changed to a 5K/4 month interval from a 7.5K/6 month interval as a recommendation from my mechanic.

Dhiren314

Dhiren314