Coolant problems I think

[xhricardo]

:stupid: I have 76 280z and I think the engine is off a 77. The problem that I am having is that the collant in the radiator looks to greener than the coolant on the over fill tank thats next to the head light on the passenger light. The coolant in the tank looks a little oily but not much but still looks green and its not slimy or brown so I am not sure if there oil is going in to the coolant or not I have cleaned the tank the best I could and it stayd green for a few days but then it got darker. So does any body have this problem let me know thanks. Love this web site its great

[280~Master]

You may want to start by replacing the hose that runs from the radiator to the overflow tank, or some people call it the purge tank. This could be rotten and would be logical to leave a black oil looking residue in water. If you had oil getting in the overflow tank you would have major problems. It would be hard to get oil in the overflow tank without having a cracked head gasket or cracked head or block. Your radiator would be full of the same crap as the tank is anyway.

I would also replace the radiator cap on the radiator along with the hose inside of the overflow tank. The radiator cap could be bad and be letting to much steam pass into the tank.

I have seen this on many different kinds of cars but never tried to fix this problem myself. If it was me with this problem I would replace everything I said above and see what happens.

Good luck

John

[beandip]

As John said the coolant in the top tank of the radiator would look like a oily slimy mess. I believe the cap should be rated to 13 lb. pressure . If you are concerned about the coolant , drain it and replace it with a 50/50 mix of water and anti-freeze . Then you will be set for the summer and next winter. This should be done every couple of years any way . When you drain the old coolant check it for oil , it will rise to the top of the liquid . If there is oil in it , then you will need to take the car to a mechanic .