Motor oil in Radiator - 1998 Accord
 

Hi... My wife's 1998 Accord with 2.3 VTEC and 5 speed has 260k miles and has proven to be a great trouble free vehicle and still looks new. Yes we baby our vehicles. Two days ago I noticed oil leaking from the engine bay area and upon investigation noticed oil coating part of the engine. I think this was from a small leak in the top radiator hose allowing oil in the antifreeze to leak out. Upon further investigation I discovered oil in the radiator but no radiator fluid in the motor oil. I can't think of any other reason except for a bad head gasket. However before getting into the motor I wanted to seek the advice of the forum to see if this is an issue common to this gen of Accord. Also is there something I'm missing as to the source of the oil other than a bad head gasket?

Dio

There are a few tests that con be done to try to confirm this is a head gasket issue.

A cold cooling system leak test and chemical test of coolant for combustion gases should provide confirmation of head gasket.

Most head gasket failures result from overheating but they do fail for unknown reasons. I had HG failure on my 94 EX after many troublefree miles. S*** happens!

good luck