Hi all. Recently starting having problems with coolant level dropping dramatically. I would refill but it would only last for a week or so. Then I noticed oil in the coolant.

Car was due for service so asked my mechanic to have a look. He flushed the cooling system and said this might fix it. It hasn`t unfortunately. Worst, "check engine" light is now coming on from time to time to then go off again. But oil level and consistency looks fine. So asked the mechanic to investigate what wrong and give me a quote on repair.

He checked and advised new oil cooler costs approx AU$800 and plus work the repair will be around AU$1600. So therefore he recommends getting rid of the car as he says problem will become worse and changing oil coolant might not fix it.

Does this sound right to you guys? I am otherwise happy with the car and would love to keep it. This mechanic was recommended by a friend but reading online posts I have my doubts regarding his appraisal and quote. Should I get a second opinion? Does anyone know a good and affordable mechanic on the Gold Coast?

Help please!!! Many thanks.

R 

Edited 22 October, 201510 yr by GCOctavia

That parts price & labour charge seems excessive to me,id go to another garage & get a second opinion,i would not get rid of my car if it only needed the oil cooler changing. The fact that he said changing the coolant might fix it sent alarm bells ringing in my mind.

Coolant and oil are separate circulatory systems. if you have one in the other or both then a seal or part has failed. Worst case cylinder head best case oil cooler. The oil cooler are not expensive and the OEM usually budget pressed items, have search for an after market one than it is billet machined. I would be surprised if the after market parts and labour at an independent garage would be more than AUS$800. First get it checked by a garage that knows what they are doing. Swapping coolant doesn't fix any problems and only mask them whilst the issue gets worse. I wouldn't be using the car until it is fixed either.

I've been where you are, albeit on my diesel vRS.

 

A common problem.

 

Changing the oil cooler and fully flushing the system completely fixed the issue.

 

Note that you need to perform an oil change at the same time which can bump up the price.

 

My tale of woe here...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/249569-oil-in-coolant/

Many thanks guys. Will try to find someone that knows what he`s doing and let you know of the outcome.