Require Recommendation - Holden

Hi, I kindly need some recommendations on Mechanics (Holden Guru) in the Western Sydney area.
I have a Holden Cruze and found out recently that the oil is going into the coolant. It is a minor issue that needs to be rectified by a mechanic. I hope to hear from you guys soon. Thank you.

Comments

  • +16

    Wonder who told you that oil going into your coolant was a "minor issue" cause honestly its far from minor.

    Oh and welcome to OzBargain

    • Probably someone with an old falcon?

      • +3

        I never had that problem in my old falcons because they burned all the oil before it could get anywhere near the coolant.

        • Mine was actually pretty good engine-wise and barely burnt oil but had a junk trans and diff, with all the used ones I could find nearly as bad. The joke amongst all my mechanic mates was that because it didn’t burn oil the head gasket was going to let go at any moment.

  • +3

    Oil in the coolant could be anything from a new head gasket being required to a cracked head.

    I can't see it being a minor issue, or something cheap to fix.

    Stop driving the car and get it fixed ASAP or worse case scenario you'll be up for a new motor.

  • +16

    With a Cruze, you don't need a mechanic, you need a wrecker…..or a wizard

  • +1

    It's not a "minor issue", it is likely to be one of two issues:-

    Failed cylinder head gasket (or worse…cracked cylinder head). Fix is replace head gasket, engine flush & change engine oil.

    Failed transmission oil cooler. Fix is to replace the radiator, flush & change coolant, flush & change engine oil.

    • Thank you BOGOF.

  • +5

    I really pity anyone who bought these cars or Captivas because they're just money-pit timebombs.

  • Thank you everyone for your responses. Can someone please recommend any reliable/experienced mechanic in Western Sydney area who can help me to fix this issue within a reasonable price. Thank you

  • +1

    What motor? If the non turbo, most likely it has a failed engine oil cooler. I've replaced many of these. It's a very simple repair, you don't need a "Holden specialist", if there is such a thing.

  • Western Sydney is a big place.

    Where are you?

    • I live nearby Mount Druitt area and mostly I go to Bankstown or Pendle hill for car service.

      • Tyres & More Merrylands.

        Been going there 16 years with my 4WDs and other vehicles. Seven hoists. Four mechanics. Two have been there for the 16 years I've been going there.

        You will need to book in as they are normally extremely busy. 9635-8735.

        If you go, tell them Snake man sent you.

        • Thank you bro. I will go and see them "Miles Mechanics Tyres & More" within the next few days.

          • @Riz-2020: Ask for Brian and say ozbargain sent you. Minimum 20% off their already awesome prices.

            • @Muzeeb: Brian hasn't worked there for many many years. Last I heard he was working at Glossodia.

              • +4

                @Snake 4: I made that up but all the best to Brian anyway.

  • Dean's Tyres, Brakes & Mechanical Repairs.
    8/5 Grahams Hill Rd, Narellan NSW 2567

    He was my apprentice and a better mechanic than I was.

  • Hi OP

    I have 2 friends and one family member that suffered the exact same problem. The issue is almost certainly a failed oil cooler, this video explains it:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bCllbBcRcY

    Bascially, the cooler either cracks internally, or the seals between the oil and coolant circuits fail, allowing oil ingress into the coolant. This part is $800 from Holden, but about $80 for a generic alternative off ebay:

    https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p238005…

    Importantly, the coolant hoses MUST be replaced as well, they are not designed to withstand exposure to oil and will fail in short order, which will overheat your engine and destroy it.

    One other thing which will soon fail and should be replaced at the same time is the plastic coolant thermostat housing:

    https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p233452…

    The radiators are known to fail as well:

    https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p233452…

    Honestly OP, unless you're willing and able to complete these repairs yourself, I'd get rid of it. This is a major issue, the labour costs will be huge, and I guarantee this won't be the last major component failure you'll suffer. They were never good cars and they ain't getting any better.

    • Didn't have the oil issue. But have replaced the radiator and thermostat before eventually junking it. Was a nice enough ride while it lasted

      • Pretty sad isn't it. A whole bunch of money and resources wasted on the automotive equivalent of cardboard soled shoes. Thank goodness the world's foremost purveyor of rolling garbage heaps is leaving our country and the rest of the non US world. Quality Japanese manufacturers will take their lost sales gleefully.

        • We had it for over 7 years, and apart from the thermostat issues it was fine mechanically. Can't say I'm too upset with that

          • @SummerZero: You say you junked it after 7 years. I consider that less than half of the acceptable lifespan for a high cost, high resource product like a car.

            My 2000 Toyota Camry was still on the road till early this year according to NSW Rego Check.

            I stand by my statement

    • Thank you Dogsrule and Poulay for the detailed explanation. I am still on the lookout for a mechanic who can help me to fix this issue. Thank you

      • No worries, hope everything works out for you!

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