Here is my other concern. I have noticed that when my engine is up to temp and the flow begins, the coolant from the engine is cloudy or almost slightly milky. I use the green stuff. There is NOT any milkyness in the oil. The oil is as clean as engine oil can be. The van does not over heat but does get close before the fan comes on, then the temp drops rapidly.

My A/C is also not funtioning. Heater works great but A/C does not engage. The compressor pully also occasionally makes a high pitched whine. Compressor dead? Just the clutch dead?

Any help is of course appreciated.

does your vehicle use oil or trans fluid?. The milky coolant can be caused by a leaky transmission oil cooler (built into the radiator) or engine oil cooler (also part of the radiator, if equipped). It could also be a slight head gasket or intake gasket leak that happens to be between an oil passage and a coolant passage, and the oil is getting in the coolant, not the other way around.

I am 1/2 quart low and don't remember the last time I checked oil. I have a feeling a radiator is in my future anyway. If it is a gasket leak as you mentioned, How critical is this issue? I understand coolant in the oil is really bad. What about a little oil in the coolant. Also I am some what confused when we say intake gasket. A coolant intake or are we talking the intake manifold gasket, a much larger project. I don't want to think about head gaskets. I try to keep used cars running, not rebuild engines.

thanks