Another oil in the antifreeze

[Kandid]

I have this "milkshake" in the expansion tank
so I just got a call from my shop, they saying that my oil cooler seal probably leaking, they not only need to flush the whole system, change the seals, flush couple more times... they saying that they don't know what else is wrong.. one option that they think that 'may' need to be replaced is 'pressure relief valve'.

They don't know until they get in there...

price is around $400 + pressure relief valve (if needed)

do you guys think is a fair price for this kind of job?

[AFJuvat]

Parts aren't all that expensive ($50 - 60), but it is a labor intensive process.

The only possible reason to replace the valve is if you aren't holding oil pressure or you have the old version that is no longer made or supported.

The pressure relief valve will add close to $200 (USD) to the cost of this job.

I'm not feeling real comfortable with the price or being quick to change parts without looking at them first.

AFJuvat

[Kandid]

thanks AFJuvat,
this is what they told me: all the lalbor and parts for this job is around $400 and if I'll need this pressure relief valve (probably yes, becouse mine is 84 and has older vesion of it) it's just the price for the part...

[FLA944]

Kandid,

Sorry to hear your misfortune.

I am going thru the same on my 83 and it is labor intensive yet, not too difficult at all just follow the books and read thru the posts, these guys have been great.

Have plenty of the Greased Lightning degreaser on hand. I currently have the oil cooler in a bucket of soap loosening up the gook. The relief valve looks OK on mine but I may replace the spring as I have it out.The radiator was competely hosed and trying to clean the R/S end cap came unglued which is ok as the tubes were solidified with this gook.

The waterpump in same condition so replacing also. I will also be pulling the heater core as it should be in the same condition.The head was a total wash leaking badly so had that rebuilt. Also doing all seals in the front and belts.

I bought this car as scrap to tinker with and I think it's going to workout OK in the end.

[todwic]

Tell them to stick thier new PRV right up thier keister! I've got an '84 with the old style and it works just fine. If you ever get a drop in pressure, just take it out, clean it, and stick it back in. 5 min job. The new style has an "O"ring that you'll have to replace, cost $350, etc. etc. There's no way that that's the cause of milkshake.

[Kandid]

problem is, I don't have a place to work on the car
(my sister has a garage - that's the reason that I visit her sometimes )

Anyway I'll ask a shop to give me my old PRV back, so I can see myself if anything wrong with it

[FLA944]

Todwic's correct the old one should be fine no o-ring.

Seeing as you caught it right away you should only need to replace the seals in the cooler then flush the cooling system. Once the cooling system is pushing clear water then change oil and filter, then charge the cooling system w/antifreeze. It should not be expensive or that time consuming.