I have the opportunity to purchase a 1999 ford windstar for very little money...the problem is i think there is coolant in the oil...when i checked the oil the dip stick has white fluid on it...the check engine light is on and i was wondering how much this would cost to fix?...would i have to replace the engine?...is there anyway to tell how far gone the engine is?..any input would be much appreciated...

It depends on how much money you are willing to put into it. Coolant in the oil is a very bad thing. You will need major top end and bottom end work (possible cylinder heads, gaskets and bearing replacement). If oil was being burnt in the combustion chamber(s) you will destroy O2 sensors and catalytic converters. This is all very expensive stuff. The engine work alone could run up to $2K alone.

Joel

I would guess $2K just for engine parts and machine shop costs .. no labor. Unless you want a "project", I would stay away!

Good new is, that the post '95 3.8L windstars are much better on head gaskets.
The lower intake manifold gaskets are still a high failure item......as they are on MANY vehilces now-adays.
This is the most likely cause.
That repair, should run around $600-800...or even more...depending on where you have it done......MAKE SURE ONLY FORD REPLACEMENT GASKETS ARE USED.
The front cover, also called timing cover gasket....from what I have read can still be an issue....which is very labor intensive to replace.
You can contact www.blackstone-labs.com for a free oil sample kit and mailer.....and have the oil tested..........will cost you about $20 and will tell you if there is coolant in the oil.
They will get back to you with results, usually the same day that they get the sample.....they will call you if they find something (sounds like they will) and email you the results....as well as send them in the mail.

Coolant in the oil WILL cause major problems in the engine as mentioned above. If the vehicle has been run, with that much coolant in the oil (that you can tell from looking at the dipstick, oil, or underside of the oil cap), it most likely has caused damage. Coolant will cause damage before you can see it by looking at the oil as above.

Otherwise, I would not hesitate to buy a '99 windstar.....yes....they have their weak points.....but, like I said....so do the others.....and I still prefer the windstar to the Chrysler / Dodge / Plymouth minivans ....but that is just my opinion.

I'm very happy with my 99. We also have a 99 Venture that we purchased new. I don't think the Venture gives me quite as much trouble as the Windstar but GM mini-van customers have their hands full too

well i bought the truck and i am going to replace the engine....want to go used but having a hard time finding a 3.0...is that a good sign?....any suggestions on where i could look?...i am close to Toronto ,ON....also what would be a fair price used?...i find that alot of people try to over price because i am female...

well i bought the truck and i am going to replace the engine....want to go used but having a hard time finding a 3.0...is that a good sign?....any suggestions on where i could look?...i am close to Toronto ,ON....also what would be a fair price used?...i find that alot of people try to over price because i am female...

Hi Rudegirl,

How is the rest of the vehicle? What sort of mileage? The 3.0s are a lot rarer than the 3.8s but many feel that they are less troublesome. This may be why you are having a harder time finding one. My parents once owned a Mercury Villager that had a 3.0 litre engine. I do not know if they are the same engines but if so then try Villagers or Nissan Quests (same vehicle) too as the engine donors. Have you thought about having your existing engine rebuilt? This will cost more than a used but you would effectively have a new engine and if the rest of the vehicle is sound it could last a long time. Usually salvage yards have ussed engines and you can probably put your name on a waiting list. The trouble is that you have ni idea of the history of a used engine. I too am from Toronto. Most salvage yards in Toronto are way outside the city core in places such as Milton, Oakville, Alliston, Orangeville Etc. I am sure there are more in the East end too.

I always think people try and over price me too and I am not a female. You are right to question everything someone tells you and do compare apples to apples.

I only paid 500 for the van itself and it is in great condition... the body is solid and i have all the reciepts from all the work the guy recently had done...complete brake job and new tie rods and ball joints 2 month ago, serviced the truck every 6 months ... brand new tires and the interior is very clean..the man was the original owner and wanted something newer ....i priced a rebulilt at 2000 plus tax to have one installed maybe i should look into having this one rebulit...I just wanted to find a used one to get me on the road till i could afford to have a rebuilt installed...I am currently driving a 1986 grand prix that my son is itching to take over and start fixing up...lol...

Just priced a "short block" and got sticker shock.....the 3.0L is over TWICE the price of the 3.8L.
Jasperengines shows the 3.0L as unavailable for the 99.
Point being, there are far fewer 3.0L windstars than 3.8L.....which makes finding a replacement engine tougher.
Yes, they do use the 3.0L in other vehicles....but a GOOD junkyard will be able to tell you what engine fits....as there are often differences from vehicle to vehicle.