Oil...maybe. In Radiator...but no other signs of head gasket failure.

[shaldaya]

Ah your fine then
Just flush your coolant more often and NEVER put in just water as it can rust the internals

 

[Deathacus]

After a ton ton of flushing, determined it is not oil. Just...assorted sludge. Cool.
So now that it's clean, time for the new radiator. Of course, you can't buy one without a tranny cooler. Is it possible for a pony like me to order a one off direct from the manufacturer? It plastic looks to be from the same mold, except doesn't have the holes for the cooler fittings. You can clearly see where they are "supposed" to go.

Alternatively, how risky is it to try swapping the old side tank to the new rad? Even at a pro shop?

 

[shaldaya]

Well what you can do is just pull the old tide tank off, wash the **** out of the radiator, and put her back
I've had mild success doing that, but you need some silicone or something to reseal it

 

[Deathacus]

Well, rad shop said it was the metal itself that is cracking, so I'd dtill be using a new core. Just seems like too much risk, not to mention you can't buy new gaskets and the tool mentioned in the service manual doesn't seem to exist. Also found out today that apparently even Ford started using ATX rads as service replacements for MTX cars. Makes me feel a little bit better that this is an "official" fix, just like the climate control panel.

 

[shaldaya]

Oof, if the metal itself cracked, then you'll have to get one of those atx radiators unfortunately

 

[zoomlater]

There are AL radiators for our cars out there

 

[Deathacus]

Well, messed up a bit. The two clamps on the upper hose, does anyone know where the bigger one and the smaller one should go? Both ends are the same size on the hose and the rad/thermostat outlet. Not sure why two sizes but my messed up mind won't be happy till I know which is supposed to be which.

There are AL radiators for our cars out there

Yeah, maybe in the future when I do a proper racetrack SHO, but this one I am happy to keep all stock. She's not my daily so I'd sooner spring for an aluminum rad in the Optima.

Not calling anyone wrong, just calling myself crazy.

 

[luigisho]

Not calling anyone wrong, just calling myself crazy.

This is why you belong here. Dain bramaged owners