Oil in Coolant... Help!

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Jellsworth19, Feb 3, 2014.

  1. Jellsworth19

    Jellsworth19 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 2, 2013
    Carlsbad, NM
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    Hey All, I'm looking to buy a '04 Century with a Detroit 60 and 13 speed Eaton. The truck runs strong and shifts smooth. Only one problem, I popped the cap off the coolant reservoir and noticed what appears to be oil inside. I then took a piece of paper, folded it up and stuck down into the reservoir until I hit bottom and pulled it back out. The paper was covered in oil from top to bottom.

    Does anybody have an idea what might be going on with this truck? FYI, the truck does not smoke and the engine oil is clean with no water in it.

    Thanks in advance!

    Champ 4.jpg
     
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  3. jameslawton

    jameslawton Light Load Member

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    May 1, 2013
    Tulsa OK
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  4. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Don't buy it? Can you not see that this is likely going to be several thousand in repairs? Continue looking! Plenty of fish in the sea!
     
  5. Jellsworth19

    Jellsworth19 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 2, 2013
    Carlsbad, NM
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    Thanks jameslawton, that's what a buddy told me too. Looks like a replacement goes for about $200.
     
  6. jameslawton

    jameslawton Light Load Member

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    May 1, 2013
    Tulsa OK
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    Not sure on part code but do have to change oil and coolant and flush coolant my only real concern would be if they are trying to sell for more then that

    And how many miles are on the truck if its over 700 you should be getting the truck at price knowing its going to need overhauled soon
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2014
  7. luvtotruck

    luvtotruck Road Train Member

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    Phoenix Arizona
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    Run get away from that one! It may be an oil cooler but it could be worse then that! RUN!
     
  8. Jellsworth19

    Jellsworth19 Bobtail Member

    26
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    Feb 2, 2013
    Carlsbad, NM
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    10-4 Fellas. Im gonna proceed with caution.
     
  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    With no water in the coolant it is most likely an oil cooler as oil pressure is higher than coolant when eng is running. That being said when truck is shut down, till eng cools the pressure is reversed and usually puts a little coolant in oil.
    Here is a thought but a gamble. Could have drained coolant down to repair anything in the past, didn't use a clean bucket and reused coolant. I have seen it many times by a so so tech. Gets tired of looking for a pan he don't have to clean and uses the cleanest he can find. Or the oil cooler was repaired but system not flushed clean. A little oil goes a long way here. As you said proceed with caution and hold itb over sellers head, like a pair of dirty socks.
     
  10. KeithT1967

    KeithT1967 Road Train Member

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    Springfield, Ohio
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    You stuck paper into a coolant tank that had oil in it and hoped for anything other than an oil coated peice of paper? Oil floats on water/coolant. Of course the paper was coated. First and last thing the paper touched was oil.
     
  11. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    sarasota, fl
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    Something to think about. That's an 04 so has an egr. Go a year earlier and you have a pre egr engine. Diesel plus egr equals money pit.
     
    wore out Thanks this.
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