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But wait, what’s this? A tiny pinhead size blob of tan emulsion on the tip of the stick. Yikes!
Thoughts?
The oil analysis is running tests on a sample to see if there is detectable levels of what your concerned with.
In your case coolant. Other tests for example, could be for metal content indicating worn engine bearings.[/QUOTE]
Yep, that's why do an oil sample.
None of this "well it could be this or that".
After you find out that all levels of metals and minerals are normal then say to yourself,
"Self, I guess the car needs more that one mile drives to get it warm. "
That cap (or the mating part) has defective threads, a worn mold or a parting line mismatch. Really tight. Reminds me of the surge tank on a 2003 malibu that gave fits and slow leaks since new. The cap was fine; it was the offset threads on the tank. After ten years (I know!) I finally replaced with a Dorman tank complete with cap and sensor (and now could actually see the coolant level!) only because the old sensor went. Little pleasures!
The tan emulsion I mentioned, AKA “chocolate milk,” doesn’t show up in the overflow tank or inside the pressure cap.
Is there some product that will expedite the dispersion of the emulsion throughout the oil rather than have it stick to stuff and gum things up? (That won’t do more harm than good?) I thought that’s what detergent oil was supposed to do
The tank is at the correct level. Will look for evidence of leaks and releases at the pressure cap, then replace regardless.
oh, yeah, and the idea of getting oil tested is new to me. Just google it? Or are there good and bad options?
I really appreciate the level of experienced advice here, even for this trivial issue. Panic averted, for now. Will be following all the hints and relaxing a bit. Thank you, everyone.
Some people install catch cans to catch the condensation, Dodge 4.7L are really bad for that gunk build up from engines not reaching temps and during the winter its bad, looks really bad
I am confused now. What "tank" has a pressure cap on 2008-2011 HHR?
The pressure cap is on the upper rad hose. The coolant recovery tank is open to atmosphere.
Plastic to plastic threads always resist when lubricated, it's a science thing. Antifreeze is the lubricant in this case.
If there is pressure/vacuum under the cap it is difficult to remove because the pressure/vacuum is forcing the threads together. Another science thing.
The coolant recovery works on the pressure cap valve opening at the right pressure/vacuum. If the tank is over filled the head pressure in the tank can over come the pressure from the radiator. When the pressure in the radiator exceeds 15 PSI fluid is forced out the overflow, when the pressure falls upon cooling the fluid is drawn back in. Pressure is a result of the fluid expanding from heat, if there is air in the system thing go wanky because air does not expand and contract at the same rate as coolant.
and they test automatic transmission fluid samples!
Yes the kit is free, but not the testing done at their lab.
The kit is basically a bottle and envelope to mail it to them.
Last time I looked it was $85 to analyze the oil sample.
If you want to know the TBN of your oil you must send them a sample of new unused oil that you use.
04-06-2020, 01:13 PM
