Chunky Brown Sludge in Coolant Tank...

[Skootnasty]

Did the shop you had the car at remove the cam covers, lifter cradles, and lifters? If you do this and clean the oil away, you will be see the crack at the valves for either cyl #1 or #6.

A cracked cylinder would also have a misfire, so again you have a cracked head.

Skoot

[darknight]

Originally Posted by violametallic-S-

I realized today that I have the brown sludge on my oil dip stick, does that confirm a head gasket issue?

It only confirms that you have an intermix problem; could be a few different things as suggested by some of the others.

Originally Posted by violametallic-S-

Also I only drive my car to the mechanics and back until I resolve this issue. Am I doing any internal damage?

If you care about your car, I wouldn't suggest driving it. An intermix of coolant and oil is not going to do any bearing surfaces any favors. Have it towed! Any money you might save by avoiding a tow bill would quickly be ate alive by the cost of a complete engine rebuild/replacement.

[Brockmeister]

Hi Viola. What was the outcome?