Before I pop the head off...

Jimbo

Creeper
Jul 15, 2009
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San Jose
I just wanted to make sure that milkshake in your oil cap means definitely a BHG or can there be other causes (besides a cracked head/block). The head looks like it's been machined before so the HG might still be ok but there's no way to tell how long ago the work was done.
 

Jimbo

Creeper
Jul 15, 2009
263
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San Jose
I'm about to drain it. I just saw the oil cap when I drove the car after letting it sit for a while.
Im asking because a friend fired up his camaro after it was also sitting for a while, revved it pretty hard in park, and I found milkshake in his cap after. We thought he had a BHG but the stuff never came back since then and it's his daily driver.
 

Jimbo

Creeper
Jul 15, 2009
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San Jose
So you suggest I warm the car up and check the dipstick instead or can I be able to spot coolant after I drain the oil?
 

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
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I come from a land down under
cerealkilla;1686234 said:
So you suggest I warm the car up and check the dipstick instead or can I be able to spot coolant after I drain the oil?

Just go pull the Dip stick it should show up, that or drain it into a clean/clear container without starting it if there's coolant in there it'll have seperated.

If I suspect an engine is BHG I won't run it again till I can confirm it.
 

radiod

Supramania Contributor
Dec 13, 2007
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Just as IJ said, if it's been sitting for a while (a couple hours) the coolant will be at the bottom of the oil pan. If you crack it and see coolant in there you've got issues. Best thing you can do at this point is definitely not starting it, it will only cause more issues with bearings etc. As for cracked head vs. blown gasket, you likely won't know for sure until you rip it apart. But to answer your quest, yes, the head can crack. Mine was in 3 places....
 

supersupramk3

average joe
Mar 29, 2009
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sacramento, CA
IJ.;1686229 said:
Could just be condensation, bit radical pulling the head if you're not sure about it ;)
(should show on the Dipstick if it's milkshaked)

^^ IJ, is correct my car sits for days on end and condensation mixed with the oil cap does have milkshake residue...I would not rely on this method for a confirmation of a BHG. Do what the other guys are recommending.