Oil in over coolant tank

Overflow tank for coolant

There are several areas that these cars have issues with coolant leaks first off is this car leaving a puddle of coolant on the ground?

If not check the oil and make sure after it's been run awhile that the oil doesn't resemble chocolate milk if it does then the coolant is leaking internally and could cause sever internal engine damage if not addressed promtly. The engine damage occours due to pitting and rusting in the lifters rod/main and cam bearings, oil and water don't mix. Check the oil after the engine has been run a while since if the car sit's the oil and water will separate and the oil may look ok other then being overfull slightly.

Another area that is comon for leaks is the overflow tank if this type has the pressure cap on the tank I have had several bad tanks like this.

The water pump may be leaking out the weep hole located behind the pulley and should be checked with a pressure tester,light and a mirror.

But probably the most comon leak of all is the intake gasket leaking out both one or both ends. Dex-cool adds to the likely hood of these gaskets being the problem since it is citrus based and has had huge classaction lawsuits against GM in the past. Since this car is no longer under warranty the best advice I can give you is to flush out the dex-cool and replace with a good quality 150,000 mile 5 year green like Peak antifreeze or equivalant. But first find the laeak and have it repaired.

should be a sticker near the overflow bottle, if it says dexcool you need the orange stuff.
you will need to mix it 50/50 precisely before adding to car.
for the best results use distilled water for the mix.

if there is no dexcool sticker you can run the 50/50 green such as prestone extended life

chrylser recommends their antifreeze, and it is called hoat, you can purchase this at the chrysler dealerships at their parts dept.

if what is in the coolant jug looks like sludge then it is the coolant breaking down, this car used GM DEXCOOL and it will cause this problem 9of a sludgy looking deposit in the coolant recovery tank, clean it out and drain and refill system

IT DEPENDS SOME OLDERS CARS USE GREEN ANTIFREEZE.MOST NEWER VECHICLE USE DEXCOOL ORANGE ANTIFREEZE.YOU NEED TO LOOK UP TO SEE WHAT TYPE ANTIFREEZE VECHICLE USE BEFORE PUTTING ANY IN SYSTEM.IF YOUR CAP SAY COOLANT THEN THATS WHERE YOUR ANTIFREEZE GOES.

Be sure the right coolant is in the car, orange colored Dexcool. I fthats good, then replace the coolant level sensor, in the right tank of the radiator. near the headlight. Of some cars its easier to replace the sensor if you take the headlight out.

Hello! Your van most likely still has the coolant that was in it from the factory - which would be DexCool. If you can see it in the coolant overflow, and it is orange-ish in color - it's DexCool (or possibly a DexCool-friendly brand). I would suggest a full, and thorough coolant system flush - and then refill with the green stuff. If your van does have DexCool - you CAN NOT mix it with anything that does not implicitly state that is compatible. If you do - it will harden and congeal and ruin your coolant system - and perhaps even your engine.

Hope this helps!

Always fill you radiator & resevoir with a 50/50 mix of coolant / water. Your vehicle should have dexcool which is a red/orange colored coolant. You can buy a universal equivalent which is premixed and is yellow (not green). It is safe to add universal coolant but not green antifreeze. Premixed (it will say on jug) would be your safe bet. Fill the radiator, add to overflow tank to full cold line, run vehicle until fully warmed up. Let cool back down & then recheck.
Don't forget to check for leaks....it is not normal to have your coolant get that low. You likely are leaking coolant.

If this helps please rate me!
You can do it.
Brett

are you sure its oil in the antifreeze? oil is brown. your van should have dexcool wich is orange, not green.(looks red sometimes)check the coolant again and check the oil. if it looks milky or foamy, there is coolant in it. sounds like it may be a blown head gasket. not good. stop driving it if you want to save your engine. you need to replace the head gasket/s, and flush the cooling system.