Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerHeinz57
This train of coincidence is due to a much younger car with previous oil cooler internal breakdown filling the cooling system with engine oil springing a similar leak in exactly the same place as well as a similar blockage of heater matrix offering heat to the driver's side only.
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From my experience as a former research chemist, the effect on seals is easily explained. Many of the o-rings used in engine cooling systems are made from EPDM polymer. This material is a good, cost effective rubber for sealing aqueous glycol cooling systems, provided it remains oil-free. If the system gets contaminated with engine oil, whether that's mineral or fully synthetic, the EPDM components will suffer. This could be an alternative explanation as to why some cooling systems suffer o-ring leaks and some don't. A trace of oil is sufficient to cause degradation of EPDM seals. Viton however, is much more expensive but is totally resistant to all automotive fluids under usual operating conditions. A good example was Xpart's change from the green/blue EPDM inlet manifold (1.8) gasket to Viton. The colour however, is irrelevant. Viton products come in a range of colours, just like EPDM and the rest.
TC