Ford Transit came in for a routine oil change, but our free health check uncovered oil in the coolant. A likely sign of head gasket or oil cooler failure.
What started as a routine oil change service turned into a much more serious find during our free vehicle health check. This Ford Transit, brought into 1Stop Motor Shop in Newtownabbey, had a clear sign of internal engine trouble — oil contamination in the coolant system.
Instead of the usual red, green or blue coolant, we found thick black sludge — clear evidence that engine oil was mixing with the coolant.
Oil and coolant are designed to run through completely separate systems, so when they mix, it usually points to:
A blown head gasket
A cracked engine block
A failed oil cooler
The result? Overheating, loss of engine power, and long-term internal engine damage if left untreated.
The customer was shown the contamination, and we explained the possible causes. We advised:
A cooling system flush
A full diagnostic pressure test
Inspecting the head gasket and oil cooler
Early diagnosis like this can save thousands in engine repairs if caught in time.
If your coolant doesn’t look right, get it checked for free at 1Stop Motor Shop. We help catch problems early across Belfast and Newtownabbey.