Intermix?
 

Greetings folks,
I am hoping the feedback isn't too catastrophic. 2005 LR3 4.4, 113,000 miles.

Today I was changing out the coolant reservoir tank due to the low coolant message. The new bottle solved that problem.

But, I took the engine cover off to access the bleed valve atop the motor just in case I needed to get some air out. I noticed the area around the valve was a little oily and discolored. I took both ends of the hose off and it smells like oil on the end of the hose coming from the engine and going into the valve. I hope that makes sense.

There is no loss of coolant or oil and no performance issues. I am hoping this isn't the beginning signs of intermix but I don't think I should be seeing oil residue at the valve.

Help!!

No, I don't think that's normal. I'd check your oil for coolant and keep an eye on coolant to see if it has oil in it. That's about all you can do I think. Are you sure the low coolant warnings were because of the expansion tank and not the result of coolant leaking into your oil?

Bad, bad things happen when coolant gets into the oil. I'd rule that out first before driving it more unless you want a new engine.

There is a known issue where the coolant sensor absorbs coolant and does not work correctly thus giving a low coolant warning.

However

Keep checking your oil and coolant, the quality of both fluids should be very clear and not polluted. The moment you see cross pollution, STOP and assess.

Thanks for the replies gents. Everything is clear and as normal for oil and coolant. No drop in levels...yet. Would a compression check confirm or deny?

I'd think the best check for this would be to just drain the oil and check for any cross contamination. The compression check could help you maybe find out if you're getting oil blow by past the rings but not sure it'll help with the coolant / oil contamination issue though..

Thanks Tony!