Coolant foaming ?

[Jean]

What's the story on coolant foaming in the radiator ? I've seen the oil/coolant mix from the pictures it looks like it has a liquid like texture, not foam.

Is this an indication that some oil is getting into coolant but not enough, yet ?

Searched and found this -

"I hate to say, but have you checked your coolant for foaming? If it looks like a chocolate milkshake, then you have a bad problem. This could be where your oil is going. I hope not, but with a blown head gasket, then the oil goes from the engine into the coolant."

[mikeedler]

maybe it isnt pumping oil into your cooler, but it is just pumping air from the compresion(cylinder) into it. If it is from one of the cylinders, it will start to boil after a few days from all the gasoline in it. I know because I had a M10 with a cracked block about 10 years ago.

[Jean]

I just want to make sure I understand this part "pumping oil into your cooler" , could you explain ?

[Turf1600]

Soulds like whipped coolant to me. IE headgasket failure. Leakdown time son!

[Jean]

I was afraid it would be this, since last oil change I noticed it was low on oil about 1qt. And it's not leaking any out...

[LINUS]

If you can, a hydrocarbon sniffer over your open radiator will confirm quickly if you popped the HG. Normally it's the antifreeze getting into the chamber & that sweet smelling, steamy exhaust that happens, but I've had the opposite happen too.

Hydrocarbon sniffer will tell you for sure, but that's what it sounds like.

[Jean]

Will see if someone local has access to hydrocarbon sniffer . There is no smoke or anything coming from the exhaust if that matters, just also passed smog with no issues at all.

[Jean]

Can someone explain to me how a "Leakdown " test is done ?

I have a spare rebuilt head, clean oil pan, manifold and tb. Is it possible to figure out if the block itself is fine and the problem is somewhere in the head ?

I checked the oil again and it's not mixed with coolant....

Basically, if I can get away with just replacing head/oilpans I would rather do that than waste money and time on the m10 block (currently at a shop). Started looking for m30 parts, would rather build that up instead of m10 that I'll get rid of anyway....

[AndrewBird]

IT might mean your waterpump is taking a crap. A lot of crappier brand water pumps have plastic impellers. They start to disintegrate and instead of pumping water, they just swirl it and cause it to foam.

Has the engine been running hotter or anything? Try looking around the water pump for leaks. Many times, once the impeller goes, the bearings go with it and start to leak coolant.

[Jean]

IT might mean your waterpump is taking a crap. A lot of crappier brand water pumps have plastic impellers. They start to disintegrate and instead of pumping water, they just swirl it and cause it to foam.

Has the engine been running hotter or anything? Try looking around the water pump for leaks. Many times, once the impeller goes, the bearings go with it and start to leak coolant.

I've replaced the water pump not too long ago along with radiator and all the hoses. I'll have to go back through my receipts or pictures to check the brand on it, don't remember off top of my head.

No leaking present, and temp is still at 1/2, very slowly climbs up at red lights. No clutch fan, just electric fan wired to be on at 1/2 speed at all times.

[LINUS]

Can someone explain to me how a "Leakdown " test is done ?

You pop out one spark plug at a time & pressurize with 40-60# compressed air. You make a note of the value, then watch to see how long it takes to bleed down.

You also crank the motor around by hand so that whatever cyl you are working on has all valves closed - might seem obvious to most here, but still had to say it.

If you get a stethiscope, you can tell what's the matter if it bleeds quickly by which area makes noise as the air bleeds down. I have one that I popped out the diaphram & replaced with an aluminum gutter spike - transmits sound & vibration real well. A few feet of surgical tubing works OK too.

That way you can tell if it's the rings, the stem seals, the HG - whatever.

It's really just a more precise way of diagnosing internal problems vs. a simple compression test.

[Jean]

I'll pull the plugs today and check them, going to have take it to a shop for a leakdown/compression check.