How do you figure out what gasket is blown? there is brown sluge in radiator. 2002 kia sportage, 50k miles.?

Question

light brown sludge in radiator and overflow reservoir. 2002 kia sportage 50k miles.

Answer 1

If there is a brown sludge in your radiator then you have a oil to water mixture meaning that you have blown your head gasket.

Answer 2

Could be the head gasket, the block or the the head. Has it been run hot? that can cause more damage and might require the engine to be replaced. Search the net for known issues with this car. You may find it is a common problem and then get an idea of what the fix is.

Answer 3

your head gasket may be blown, thats the only gasket that can mix oil in the coolant and coolant in the oil

Answer 4

its blown hope you did not crack a head also

Answer 5

My first question to you would be "What condition was the coolant in, and have you always changed coolant/ flushed the engine and radiator at the required intervals?".

You have not said you have any engine problems, such as overheating or coolant loss. If you have never flushed and cleaned/ replaced coolant, you'll have a brown sludge anyway!

If it's NOT overheating or losing significant coolant, I think you may be neglecting to service correctly. 50K is nothing.

Answer 6

more than likely its a head gasket

Answer 7

just maybe dirty coolant,but if it is a blown head gasket you can check this buy taking off the radiator cap and starting the car, if you see bubbles your up for a new head gasket $$$$