Sounds like galvanic corrosion
(http://www.mcnallyinstitute.com/CDweb/g-html/g002.htm).

Have your mechanic check for voltage in the radiator. Start the engine and
let it fully warm up, fans should cycle two times min. Then with the
engine and cooling fans running. Check for voltage between the radiator
core (metal) and the negative (-) battery terminal. There should be zero
volts.... If the voltage measured is over .003mV, you have voltage in the
radiator. That voltage wants to go to ground. Since the radiator is
(supposed to be) insulated from the rest of the car. The coolant becomes
the path of least resistance.

Cheers, Tp

" wrote:

> so i'm hoping this isn't the head gasket that went too, but i have a
> '88 CRX Si, and after replacing the thermostat it started overheating.
> the water pump had been showing signs of failure before - chirping, etc
> - and now it has gone. but the part that scares me is the white crap in
> the coolant, which must be engine oil. is there any other way for there
> to be oil in the coolant with a dead water pump, but without the head
> gasket failing? while troubleshooting, the exhaust was clear, and there
> was no blue smoke, so i think the combustion chambers are still sealed.
> thanks guys.
>
> -pete

--
Tp,

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