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Originally Posted by mtp_m
i'm having similar problems with my 99 windstar, a little stuttering at the light, i had a oil change which i really needed and my oil was sludged and brown and they also found little metal shavings in it which they could not explain what caused it, my coolant also runs out fast but it stays at a minimal level way below the minimum line. i had it overheat and then had the thermostat changed which solved the overheating problem but i put water in it because i was warned that the coolant could be leaking in the engine, usually when i put the water in it makes the car run a little smoother so i can kind of tell when its running low. when it was running real rough a few months ago and the engine light came on i used lucas treatment and it stopped the knocking but after that i replaced the IAC and the engine light is still on with codes 171 174
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Sounds as if you have a major leak somewhere. Adding just water instead of antifreeze will not prolong anything. Both are bad for your engine when mixed with oil. Antifreeze also lubricates the bearings in the water pump, something water alone won't do.
Do not use tap water or water from any other source as it will contain minerals that will collect in your cooling system potentially causing blocked passages. Use distilled water.
The 171/174 codes are referenced in a sticky. If that is not the issue, then there is a vacuum leak elsewhere.