Does leaking coolant into the oil always mean bad head gaskets?

Chasingstatus · 02-04-2020, 06:35 PM

Hey guys hoping someone out there could point me in the right direction. I did a brief search but everything seems to point in a few different directions.

Backstory and history of the car:
Just bought my girlfriend a 2012 G37x in July. The car currently has 60k miles on it and we bought it with 54k miles. The previous owner mentioned it had over heated and he had 1 of the head gaskets replaced. I was weary of the purchase but we reluctantly went through with the purchase (stupid I know). I've noticed a slight antifreeze smell lately and seen the overflow tank losing coolant. I told her all summer to keep and eye on the temp gauge and she said it never climbed anywhere close to overheating during our ownership. So I did a oil change tonight after seeing a slight milky residue on the bottom of the oil cap, sure enough....it's mixing. She works less than 5 miles from home and seeing as it's winter I see this could cause this milky residue in some cases (it's not bad like pudding caking under the cap and nothing on oil dip stick out of the ordinary, just I figure any residue can't be good). The car doesn't smoke at all and the exhaust doesn't smell sweet. The antifreeze smell comes more from front of the car. I'm hoping maybe there is a issue some of the ogs on here have dealt with before I go and replace these head gaskets. Just between not fully knowing the history of the heads in the past I don't want to deal with this issue down the line. So now I'm worried like maybe he warped a head, or maybe his cheapness got us in the long run from the original over heating issue and only replacing one gasket? Just trying to bounce some ideas and any help is greatly appreciated. I also didn't see anything out of the ordinary leaking from radiator hoses. Could I be over looking something? Maybe water pump or oil gallery gasket(see these are common to fail pre 2013) or something? Idk Ive never personally had to deal with this issue in my experience with two vq35de's or my vq37vhr. So I'm kinda at a loss? Thanks again

BettyZ · 02-04-2020, 11:09 PM

So I've had the same thing. Smell could be coolant being expelled from the coolant overflow tube. Mine does that somewhat often. The white gunk is probs just bc the oil isnt getting to near-boiling temp and boiling off the water.

Or I've been driving around with leaky head gaskets. Either or.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Chasingstatus · 02-05-2020, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyZ

So I've had the same thing. Smell could be coolant being expelled from the coolant overflow tube. Mine does that somewhat often. The white gunk is probs just bc the oil isnt getting to near-boiling temp and boiling off the water.

Or I've been driving around with leaky head gaskets. Either or.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

That's what I'm worried about. I'm going to Napa friday to get a headgasket tester. Wasn't sure if a thermostat or water pump could be the culprit? I'll post results. It's just weird it doesn't smoke at all/smell sweet exhaust end. Also, it's not throwing codes so it's not fouling sparkplugs.....at least yet. And I'm pretty sure antifreeze is definitely mixing. Idk it's annoying for sure though.

Chasingstatus · 02-09-2020, 11:47 AM

Ok so doing a leak down a d the block tester keeps sucking antifreeze into the pump....I've taken the top radiator hose out and tried draining a good amount. Idk if people still use this forum orrrr? Again, literally any help is appreciated.

Chasingstatus · 02-09-2020, 01:14 PM

Well, headgasket is indeed blown. These motors are kinda trash imo. I had a idea after seeing the mixture of green after the last oil change but wanted to know 100%....and unfortunately now I do. Car only has 62k miles.

SouthArk370Z · 02-09-2020, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasingstatus

... Idk if people still use this forum orrrr? Again, literally any help is appreciated.

You have an uncommon problem. Hence, the dearth of replies.

Chasingstatus · 02-09-2020, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

You have an uncommon problem. Hence, the dearth of replies.

I understand this, but close to 500 views and no insight. My frustrations kind of got the best of me also. Sometimes seems like a dead forum unless you're one of the ogs who post every day. It's whatever though I figured it out.

JARblue · 02-12-2020, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasingstatus

Well, headgasket is indeed blown. These motors are kinda trash imo... Car only has 62k miles.

That sucks man. Unfortunately, you have only yourself to blame. I hope you at least got a really good deal initially and then most of your money back when you traded it in.

For the record, these VQ motors are pretty damn indestructible. If they are taken care of. A blown headgasket at <55K miles indicates that was not at all the case and should have been a huge red flag to any potential buyer.

Chasingstatus · 02-12-2020, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

That sucks man. Unfortunately, you have only yourself to blame. I hope you at least got a really good deal initially and then most of your money back when you traded it in.

For the record, these VQ motors are pretty damn indestructible. If they are taken care of. A blown headgasket at <55K miles indicates that was not at all the case and should have been a huge red flag to any potential buyer.

Yeah, it does suck. Luckily I didn't get turned around in a loan since I paid cash. I still think the motors are trash sorry if I hurt any feelings. I lost a grand in 8 months. I've spent money in worse ways.

Zezus · 02-12-2020, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasingstatus

Yeah, I looked it over good. I'm starting to think he used a sure seal headgasket kit. That was my fourth VQ and I have never had an issue like that before. Unfortunately though we drove four hours away and my girlfriend really wanted the car. I figured I've done the right thing by pointing her in the right direction of a solid car. It's all good we traded it in yesterday for a CPO Camry. The dealership didn't even notice the head gasket either..... It's destined for the auctions now. Still even got 9k for it. It's really put a bad taste in my mouth with the VHR honestly. Also, to be fair earlier models kind of did have a issue with needing a oil cooler it's all good though you live and you learn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasingstatus

Yeah, it does suck. Luckily I didn't get turned around in a loan since I paid cash. I still think the motors are trash sorry if I hurt any feelings. I lost a grand in 8 months. I've spent money in worse ways.

So you've owned 4 vqs and had an issue with 1 of them that someone ruined before you even got it, and now the motors are trash?
And 1g in 8 months ain't sh*t. You got to drive around a car for ~125 dollars a month? Why are you complaining?

Chasingstatus · 02-12-2020, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zezus

So you've owned 4 vqs and had an issue with 1 of them that someone ruined before you even got it, and now the motors are trash?
And 1g in 8 months ain't sh*t. You got to drive around a car for ~125 dollars a month? Why are you complaining?

Whose complaining? I'm responding to other people's posts. Wow, I wish I had this much input when I actually asked my original question. Lol

Spooler · 02-12-2020, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasingstatus

I still think the motors are trash sorry if I hurt any feelings. I lost a grand in 8 months. I've spent money in worse ways.

LOL, these things can take some abuse. Turbo guys with stock blocks are making 600hp and running for a long time (3-4yrs). You just got taken advantage of, that is all.

Chasingstatus · 02-12-2020, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spooler

LOL, these things can take some abuse. Turbo guys with stock blocks are making 600hp and running for a long time (3-4yrs). You just got taken advantage of, that is all.

True story.

JARblue · 02-13-2020, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasingstatus

I still think the motors are trash sorry if I hurt any feelings.

You being butt hurt over a bad purchase decision doesn't hurt my feelings. But I do think you hurt the VQ's feelings. Now apologize!

Chasingstatus · 02-13-2020, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

You being butt hurt over a bad purchase decision doesn't hurt my feelings. But I do think you hurt the VQ's feelings. Now apologize!

LMFAO butt hurt? Hardly, I think some of you are more emotional about the fact that I don't like the VHR more than I am about the bad headgaskets. When in reality who cares I'm just a guy from the internet. One that's been here since 2014 and never had an issue before. I also haven't shown any disrespect towards anyone. But the boys club is upset with me? Who the **** cares? I just respond because I'm bored and petty lol I would have been butt hurt if I had to spend 3k on another long block.

02-04-2020, 06:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Chasingstatus Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: N/A Posts: 158 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 11	Does leaking coolant into the oil always mean bad head gaskets? Hey guys hoping someone out there could point me in the right direction. I did a brief search but everything seems to point in a few different directions. Backstory and history of the car: Just bought my girlfriend a 2012 G37x in July. The car currently has 60k miles on it and we bought it with 54k miles. The previous owner mentioned it had over heated and he had 1 of the head gaskets replaced. I was weary of the purchase but we reluctantly went through with the purchase (stupid I know). I've noticed a slight antifreeze smell lately and seen the overflow tank losing coolant. I told her all summer to keep and eye on the temp gauge and she said it never climbed anywhere close to overheating during our ownership. So I did a oil change tonight after seeing a slight milky residue on the bottom of the oil cap, sure enough....it's mixing. She works less than 5 miles from home and seeing as it's winter I see this could cause this milky residue in some cases (it's not bad like pudding caking under the cap and nothing on oil dip stick out of the ordinary, just I figure any residue can't be good). The car doesn't smoke at all and the exhaust doesn't smell sweet. The antifreeze smell comes more from front of the car. I'm hoping maybe there is a issue some of the ogs on here have dealt with before I go and replace these head gaskets. Just between not fully knowing the history of the heads in the past I don't want to deal with this issue down the line. So now I'm worried like maybe he warped a head, or maybe his cheapness got us in the long run from the original over heating issue and only replacing one gasket? Just trying to bounce some ideas and any help is greatly appreciated. I also didn't see anything out of the ordinary leaking from radiator hoses. Could I be over looking something? Maybe water pump or oil gallery gasket(see these are common to fail pre 2013) or something? Idk Ive never personally had to deal with this issue in my experience with two vq35de's or my vq37vhr. So I'm kinda at a loss? Thanks again __________________ Another one bites the dust.... Last edited by Chasingstatus; 02-04-2020 at 06:41 PM. Reason: Punctuation

02-04-2020, 11:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
BettyZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Chicagoland Age: 38 Posts: 5,261 Drives: A Garage Queen Rep Power: 2684371	So I've had the same thing. Smell could be coolant being expelled from the coolant overflow tube. Mine does that somewhat often. The white gunk is probs just bc the oil isnt getting to near-boiling temp and boiling off the water. Or I've been driving around with leaky head gaskets. Either or. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk __________________ '14 MB Nismo \| Boost Lab 6870 1.32 AR 553 HP / 471 ft.-lbs. Betty Mods

02-09-2020, 11:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
Chasingstatus Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: N/A Posts: 158 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 11	Ok so doing a leak down a d the block tester keeps sucking antifreeze into the pump....I've taken the top radiator hose out and tried draining a good amount. Idk if people still use this forum orrrr? Again, literally any help is appreciated. __________________ Another one bites the dust....

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