Replaced my upper radiator hose today, which was failing - and while topping off the coolant noticed some brown blobs floating on the surface. My immediate thought was the headgasket, but there aren't any of the other usual symptoms. Oil is full and clean, there is zero coolant loss, engine starts instantly and runs very smooth, there is no steam out of the tailpipe, and the temp. gauge is solid. Also checked the trans. fluid, which I changed a few months ago - and it's pristine.

Is there anything else which could cause oil and coolant to mix? This is a NA car, so there's no turbo to deal with, either. I've seen posts on other vehicle sites where people have had the same symptoms, had a full HG job, and it doesn't solve the problem - so I'm hesitant to take it in until absolutely sure and of course can't attempt to take on this job myself for several months until it gets warmer here in NY!

One thing I do know - I'm pretty sure the car has the original water pump, or maybe it's just been changed once. It's definitely the oldest component of the cooling system. Perhaps this has something to do with it???