Is it normal to have grey oil substance in the cooling system surge tank.

[ALFAAA]

I have brought a 2003 spider 3.2 V6, and have noticed that it has some grey oil looking substance floating in the cooling system surge tank, is this normal?The car has only travelled 36,000 Klms.

[Steve S]

The real question is why?

There could be a number of reasons just a little bit of grey goo is in the cooling system. Maybe it has a cracked block, maybe someone dropped a few drips of oil in there? It's definitely not good but it can be normal. I've seen a few cars like that and they don't have any problems.

If its not getting worse, it's probably nothing to worry about.

[John Hanslow]

How about getting the car inspected by one a Alfa Specialist or dealer.  Or just get it serviced to give the car the once over.  Naturally enough, the dealer network is a bit more expensive so it's up to you to decide your price point.  However Maranello, Monza Motors and the Italian Job are several recommendations.

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/content/view/20/33/

It's always best to get people who know the cars to work on the car and can give you a few opinion on what needs to be done and what is ok.  Some things do only need repairing when necessary.  Some give discounts to club members.

Grey goo sounds like oil on water and that's not a good sign.  Any radiator speciailst will confirm this.  Also the oil reduces the life of the rubber hoses. 

But I have heard that with the modern (not 159 era) Alfa v6 motors there can be hardening of seals or 'o' rings and a small amount of oil can get in to the cooling system and it is not of great concern.  Just clean out the gooey sludge from time to time and/ or flush out the coolant.  Should be replaced anyway every few years.

By the way, I hope the belts and water pump have had the 3 year replacement ?

Cheers

[ALFAAA]

This vehicle has not been driven for a while,  sometimes the grey goo is the additives in the coolant. I will get it looked at by a Alfa Dealer. Thanks for you advise, and Yes The Belt was changed in 2007 when the vehicle had 16,000 Kms, it will be due Dec 2010. 

[John Hanslow]

THe original water pump had plastic blades on the impeller which break off and the cooling system thus deteriorates over time.  The replacment one has metal blades.
This is normally done with the belt change as its located  in that area of the engine.

Really good idea to check the receipts to see that this was done.

Cheers

[ALFAAA]

I have tried to get all service / repair history info on my Spider but the Alfa Dealer wont give me any stating its there company policy not giving info,I have noticed that alot of European car Dealers seem to be that way.