Radiator replacement/found oil Help !

[Midnight_Yukon]

Hello all, I am doing a radiator replacement on my 2007 Yukon Denali XL, 6.2 L. After I had gotten my fan off and looked down under the radiator there looks to be dirty coolant put also some spots where coolant looks like it’s not mixing with oil. My thoughts are that some of the coolant is mixing with dirt that’s why it’s a brownish orange color but in some spots, it’s completely avoiding the coolant. This car does have some small oil leaks nothing to be terribly worried about, but I was wondering, if the oil cooler in front of my radiator because I think that is what it is, (don’t quote me on that) has something to do with this. I believe it is not a head gasket issue. Please let me know what you think.

 

[89Suburban]

Is that oil or transmission fluid? I don't see any oil lines going to the driver's side radiator tank. It may be trans fluid that leaked out of the cooler lines on the pass side when you disconnected them? Trans fluid has a unique texture and smell compared to motor oil.

 

[Midnight_Yukon]

Is that oil or transmission fluid? I don't see any oil lines going to the driver's side radiator tank. It may be trans fluid that leaked out of the cooler lines on the pass side when you disconnected them? Trans fluid has a unique texture and smell compared to motor oil.

That could definitely be, I think the lines that were connected were trans coolant lines. I’ll show pics, what does it look like? Those are the two hoses i disconnected one goes forward towards the engine one goes back under towards the front. I think your right on the trans lines. If so should I do a refill on my trans oil, a lot came out?

 

[89Suburban]

I think it looks worse than it is. The trans oil should be floating on top of the coolant in that bucket. Is the oil on the trans dipstick clean? I would imagine you only lost less than a quart. This is on my to do list as well. I like your hose clamp pliers LOL. Whatever works!!! Good luck man! Following along!

 

[Midnight_Yukon]

That’s what it’s lookin like I’d say it looks good but I’m not sure what it’s supposed to look like lol. And ya gotta get the clamps somehow lmao, there’s some pics of the finished product and a new reservoir. Thank you for keeping my head on straight and keeping me from thinking i had bigger problems! Much appreciated!

 

[OR VietVet]

Put it back together and drive it like you stole it.