Oil In Coolant Tank

[shifty]

I have a 1997 Disco with a five speed and 165,000 miles it runs good but I was horrified to open the coolant resivor and find oily sludge instead of antifreeze !!! also my heater is not working to well and blows warm and cold air intermittantly, also getting sound of water spashing around coming from the general area of the center console while in the vehicle. I love the truck but I dont know what to do here. any help would be welcome.

 

[joey]

When you say oily sludge, does it look like oil, or just a sludge look.... If you have put in the pink 5 year antifreeze it will cause this if not flushed well. Basically clogging up the entire system.

If oil type substance the you have either a blown head gasket or a cracked head.... has the truck ever overheated?

 

[shifty]

Joey
It is like a light brown colored substance, I am almost sure it is oil. I havn't seen any change in oil level in the crankcase however. I havn't overheated it myself but I am not the original owner. If is is oil, is the head gasket the only possibility? any quick fixes for this other than pulling the heads

 

[joey]

Generally if I recall correctly it goes like this.... water in oil, cracked block. Oil in Water cracked heat or blown head gasket. A pressure test of the coolant system should tell you for sure (any good radiator shop) Light brown substance, could also be Antifreeze just getting really old. Have you ever flushed the system?

 

[shifty]

No I havn't flushed the system yet. I guess that a pressure test and a flush should be my first step. thanks for your help