am i incredibly stupid, or ?

[doskow@domain.elided (MEL ODIOUS)]

or is there a way for oil to get into the coolant fluid of a Alfa
V6 (12 valve) engine on a 1991 164L?

i recently saw & using paper towel absorbed off a small amount of
brownish oil scum in the plastic expansion tank, the oil on the
dipstick looks fine, therre's no burnt oil or coolant smell in the
exhaust and engine performance is quite normal.  am i a fool to think
anything but immediate head gasket replacement might be needed?
is it insane to drive 120 miles to where such work would be done?

TIA,   jak   '74 spi  '91 164L  '94 164Q 

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