Getting oil out of coolant

[mohammedsk]

I have 1998 Honda Accord with 173,000 miles. Car runs great.
A while back the mechanic noticed an oil in the coolant. He said that I need to replace the head gasket. I also did some search to see the cause of that and people also
pointed out that it is very likely it is the head gasket; oil level was going down. I replaced the head gasket, oil level is good all the time.
I also did complete system flush that cost me $95. I asked the mechanic, is this going to completely clean the system from the oil? He said no. Then I asked,
will that affect the engine in any way? He said no. I was not convinced. Until now I still have oil in the coolant, I flushed few times and cleaned the overflow
reservoir where the oil usually accumulates and I still do that hoping that one day all the oil can come out. I found forums that say that oil in the coolant can
cause damage to the hoses.

The car has no fluid or oil leaks, what do you think about this situation and I am wondering if you have a suggestion on how to get the cooling system cleaned up. Should I take it to Honda dealer to clean the cooling system, may be they will do better job than others?

Thank you for your help

[danielsatur]

I wouldn't worry about it, a little oil might help your water pump.

[mohammedsk]

So you do not think that oil will cause damage to the hoses.

[danielsatur]

Being a Honda is good!
Because of age and mileage, I would consider a Timing belt, water pump, thermostat,
and hoses.
A flush product probably do more harm on hoses, than a little oil residue.
Flush with fresh water, oil will float, and use a turkey baster to remove oil.

[mohammedsk]

Timing belt, water pump changed about a year ago
Thermostat changed about a month ago
Hoses changed about 2.5 months ago

No worries, I am taking care of my Honda.

Thank you very danielsatur for your suggestions

[danielsatur]

I would like to try http://www.steelseal.com ,blown head gaskets, and if it didn't work get my money back.

During the head gasket repair, is a good time to replace the water pump, timing belt, thermostat, hoses, and coolant.

Don't forget to clean bugs, leaves, and derbis in front of air cond condenser, and radiator.
AF-Welcome danielsatur

[jeffcoslacker]

Combination of coolant, oil, and heat will turn rubber hoses soft and spongy real quick. I've seen a lot of this on GMs that had the lower intake plenum oil-coolant leak. I don't know what the exact reaction is, but somehow a little oil turns coolant into something unholy, as far as rubber is concerned.

It may have been more of an issue with the Dexcool long life anti-freeze GM uses, but I've seen it in older, non-GM cars too, perhaps not as bad.

[mohammedsk]

A lot of forums online talk about the same issue suggest that putting detergent soap and water in the radiator and let car reach normal temperature, then flush. Then repeat the process few times until clear water starts coming out.

I should probably give it a try.