2000 Chevy Impala Oil in coolant tank

Does the vehicle smoke when it's running ? If so you may have a cracked head gasket.

-Rob

[quote:26bd6213db="emprel2"]Engine Cooling problem
2000 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 111000 miles
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I am getting a LOW COOLANT light every once in a while. I found oil in my coolant when I went to add some. There was some black on the funnel when we pulled it out. What do you think?[/quote:26bd6213db]

It doesn't smoke.

Typically means you've got a blown head gasket.

The head gasket seals off the combustion chambers as well as the oil and water as it circulates between the head and the block. Sounds like the head gasket has gone bad between the oil and radiator fluid and the two fluids are mixing.

I'd get it checked to verify that it is indeed oil in the radiator fluid, or just very dirty radiator fluid.

I was told it could be an intake valve gasket - about $700? Any thoughts?

Check the oil to see if it is clear or muddy. If it looks like mud or chocolate milk then it is an intake manifold gasket.

One word of caution, if the oil is muddy or brown in color don't drive it, you will ruin the bearings.

-Rob

Also , If you do a compression check it should give you a good indication of whether or not the head gaskets are bad.

-Rob.