Should I be worried?

[lothaer]

Hey guys/gals

I just checked the fluids in my VY Lumina and when I took off the radiator cap I noticed this.

What is it?
Is it serious?
How much am I looking at?

 

[Omega6]

From experience either head gasket or radiator is f***ed

 

[Omega6]

What's the engine oil look like ?

 

[lothaer]

Engine Oil is black and fine.

 

[wraith]

Could be a number of things. Common issue is the inlet manifold gasket leaking. Replace those with the aluminum ones and your good. No real way to check either besides taking manifold off.

 

[Omega6]

It should be caramel looking mate, the pic looks like it's oil with water or coolant or trans fluid with water or coolant.

 

[kniever]

would be inlet manifold gasket for sure, if it was head gasket the oil in the motor would be milky

 

[lothaer]

OK here's a pic of my dipstick






This next photo shows the hose that connects the coolant fill point to the radiator, it is very loose and slips off with minimal effort from the radiator.

 

[vc commodore]

What's the trans dipstick fluid look like? If it's the same colour, the trans cooler (which is located inside the radiator) has split....You will require a new radiator and have the trans flushed out properly and hope the water hasn't wrecked the bands inside the trans...

 

[lothaer]

Trans Fluid looks normal, if a little low...note to self get more transmission fluid.