2017 Tacoma Overheated, shop found oil in coolant

ewwwffff, defiantly doesn't look well maintained, probably not a cause of overheating, but still

 

OP's 2017 has an external tranny cooler (if equipped with tow package). Fluids don't mix.
And I don't see how compromised oil cooler assembly could force the oil into cooler lines

 

As mentioned, the Tundras had the same set-up, trans fluid went through the radiator whether they had a trans cooler or not. Not sure if it's the same with the Tacos though. More here:

https://repairpal.com/pink-coolant-in-reservoir-and-transmission-slipping-594

TW thread on it here but the OP references a T4R:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-should-you-be-200k-radiator-teardown.742277/

 

Maybe, what ever damaged his intake tube came up from the road and also damaged the oil cooler at the same time. That is a plausible explanation for both issues! Unlikely, but plausible!

 

that may have contributed to the engine failure. who knows how long all sorts of contaminates have been going through the intake. is that tear recent OP?

 

Photo of a replacement radiator for all 2017 Tacos showing the transmission fluid I/O lines. Our 2020 has the tow package with the external cooler (in front of the radiator) and the trans fluid I/O lines pass through it as well as these I/Os in the radiator itself. Although the Tundra's I/O lines were located at the bottom, it looks like the Taco's have the same setup. Not saying that a radiator transmission line failure is the OP's issue, but that pink milkshake sample looks exactly like the Tundra's experience. The repair involved replacing the radiator, flushing the cooling system and completely flushing the transmission - sometimes both more than once.

 

You are 100% correct.

 

Wait... lemme go get my wife...

 

You are out of warranty,looks like a rebuild job too me.

 

I was under the impression the cooler. in front of the radiator. on the bottom on the 2020 and up. was for the power steering fluid. I probably am wrong.

 

yep

 

Damn I hate to see this for you OP. Let us know how it goes

 

The photo I posted may have given the impression that the intake tube is torn, but I've personally inspected it and can confirm there's no damage—it was just an odd camera angle.

My truck is currently with a certified mechanic who has performed extensive testing. Their report indicates that the issue likely originated externally, with the most probable cause being accidental oil contamination of the cooling system.

I have to admit, I did have my oil changed at Walmart. Although Walmart's claims manager has reviewed video footage of the mechanic working on my truck and stated that the oil and coolant systems were not cross-contaminated during the service, I've been denied access to this video unless a subpoena is issued.

To move forward, Walmart has offered to dispatch a third-party adjuster to inspect the truck at the mechanic's shop and determine whether they are at fault. This, however, will add another week to an already prolonged process.

While I've found no specific issues like mine during my own online research, I have come across numerous instances of mistakes related to Walmart's automotive services, which raises further concerns.

 

Thanks for the update, keep us posted.

 

Did he really say Bad like Michael Jackson?

 

yeah people who know dont take their cars to be serviced at walmart. im not sure i would let them change my battery.

 

Thanks for the update. Doesn't matter where you bring it. It's just an oil change. If they are working in a shop they should be competent enough to change the oil and filter.

 

It absolutely does matter where you bring your truck. But keep thinking that it doesnt matter.

 

Will do.

 

Double check the transmission lines and the fluid level. Also you should get a compression test to make sure you didn't pop a head gasket