Intermix problem

[boxracer]

I have an intermix problem in my 02 Boxster. Car runs fine and no overheating or clear signs of something being wrong, I just happened to look in the coolant tank. Definitely some oil in the coolant and appears to be some condensation when oil cap is removed, but nothing on the dipstick. Anyone know of a good indicator to determine if this is a head gasket or head issue other than a compression test? Wondering if it may be the oil cooler...Thanks.

[Topless]

I have an intermix problem in my 02 Boxster. Car runs fine and no overheating or clear signs of something being wrong, I just happened to look in the coolant tank. Definitely some oil in the coolant and appears to be some condensation when oil cap is removed, but nothing on the dipstick. Anyone know of a good indicator to determine if this is a head gasket or head issue other than a compression test? Wondering if it may be the oil cooler...Thanks.

Three likely possibilities:

1. Failed oil cooler- test and replace

2. Failed head/head gasket- symptom: intermix often accompanied by extreme cooling system pressure. If coolant is entering one or more combustion chambers a spark plug inspection should reveal it (fouled or discolored plug)

3. Failed internal freeze plug- engine teardown may be required.

The oil cooler is the simplest and least expensive to fix so I would probably start there unless there were other symptoms.

[txhokie4life]

[

Three likely possibilities:

1. Failed oil cooler- test and replace

[]quote]

In this case you get oil in the coolant but not the other way around, undo the oil filter and look in there -- if you have a milkshake it is probably #2 or 3 below.

[GTA_G20]

yup, I have oil in the coolant and coolant in my passenger bank spark plugs, failed head