[DIbox]

04 Intrepid with 2.7l

This is likely the end of my Intrepid. I had steam rolling out from under the hood on my way home. I lost most all of the coolant. When I add water to the empty resevoir bottle, a wine colored liquid begins to trickle from the bottom of the transaxle. I suspect it's a mix of coolant, transmissions fluid and oil.

The oil shown on the dipstick is too high and the same color as the sauce that drips from the bottom of the motor.

I had replaced the radiator a couple of months ago and all was well until this happened. Current theory is radiator may have failed internally allowing coolant/xmission fluid mix, but not sure how oil is mixing unless cyl head(s) warped during steam episode. Temperature gauge never went above normal. The radiator is not leaking externally. Car started next day and I drove on to ramps, but xmissions seemed iffy.

So I'm thinking of junking it. Not up for even a water pump replacement. I am curious to know where the coolant sauce is coming out of. I'm not starting car. It's just pouring through.

 

[JordanS]

I think your radiator shat itself. The transmission does have a cooler around there too so maybe that could be the cause like you said. Also, your trans may be iffy feeling because it's low on fluid. I personally didn't secure a trans cooler line properly after a repair and when I saw smoke and all the fluid everywhere, I thought I blew up my transmission. It shifted much better after I changed the filter out and resealed the trans pan (From what I could tell. I think mine needs some timing work done so I haven't driven it since August 2022 ugh!) But I would replace the radiator, drain and replace the trans fluid, oil, and coolant and see if that makes a difference. Hope this helps!

 

[DIbox]

I think your radiator shat itself. The transmission does have a cooler around there too so maybe that could be the cause like you said. Also, your trans may be iffy feeling because it's low on fluid. I personally didn't secure a trans cooler line properly after a repair and when I saw smoke and all the fluid everywhere, I thought I blew up my transmission. It shifted much better after I changed the filter out and resealed the trans pan (From what I could tell. I think mine needs some timing work done so I haven't driven it since August 2022 ugh!) But I would replace the radiator, drain and replace the trans fluid, oil, and coolant and see if that makes a difference. Hope this helps!

Thanks JordanS,
I'd say that's very likely what happened. So I have a transmission full of ATF/coolant mix and a busted rad. I think the high oil reading is because the front is up on jackstands.

I'm on the fence with fix or junk it. Radiator is under warranty but would only replace with same crappy rad.

 

[JordanS]

Thanks JordanS,
I'd say that's very likely what happened. So I have a transmission full of ATF/coolant mix and a busted rad. I think the high oil reading is because the front is up on jackstands.

I'm on the fence with fix or junk it. Radiator is under warranty but would only replace with same crappy rad.

I’m get your money back and get a different brand that’s better quality and try that. I would say fixing the radiator and replacing the fluids would cost a lot less than buying a replacement vehicle. Good luck!

 

[JordanS]

Thanks JordanS,
I'd say that's very likely what happened. So I have a transmission full of ATF/coolant mix and a busted rad. I think the high oil reading is because the front is up on jackstands.

I'm on the fence with fix or junk it. Radiator is under warranty but would only replace with same crappy rad.

Mishimoto makes some good products and they have decent prices on new radiators.

 

[DIbox]

I’m get your money back and get a different brand that’s better quality and try that. I would say fixing the radiator and replacing the fluids would cost a lot less than buying a replacement vehicle. Good luck!

You're right. Normally I would do that but I have too many projects right now. Gotta let this one go.
Just put it up on the For Sale section. I'll add some pix soon.

Thanks for the good advice guys.