Help! '96 windstar oil in coolant

[derffred]

Originally Posted by derffred

I have a 95 3.8 and the head gaskets went so I spent $1400 on the top end and then 7 months later the bottom end went, they are known for have main bearings destroyed by anti-freeze, ended up getting whole rebuilt motor $3200.00 (wish I would of done that in the first place)

The 3.8 ly motor is known to get this problem, the head gaskests go very easily if the motor over heats!

Never run these motors hot, but your past that now and you need a solution. As I said earlier If you want just a quick fix so you can sell the van just do the head gaskets, Do not go through Ford as they will charge an arm and a leg (unless ofcourse it is covered by a warranty which I think is 120,000 km)

but if you are planning on keeping the vehical get a rebuilt engine instead since the main bearings will go because of antifreeze contamination after a few months to a year. So it would be cheaper to do a complete rebuild now (short time pain for long term gain!)

If money is an issue try getting a used motor from a wrecker but who knows how good the heads are on that?

[ModMech]

This is really only a problem on PRE '98 3.8L engines, I have yet to see headgasket issues on any '98 or newer engines. They still have timing cover leakage problems.

If you cannot afford to fix the headgaskets, I respectfully suggest you trade it in on a different vehicle. Nothing will stop the leak once it has started.

[tmoke]

Originally Posted by nissandro

This is happening to my 97 Windstar now. What diagnosis did you come with after all? It will help me to find out what to do.

The problem wound up being a leak in the intake manifold gasket. Had it fixed and the problem went away. 10,000 miles later it's still OK.

[floridatgp]

why not use the link below this thread, and the thermogasket stuff.

[floridatgp]

http://www.rxauto.net/

[wiswind]

One very off the wall suggestion.....that could be easily overlooked.....and much cheaper than a head gasket or lower intake manifold gasket repair.

If you have the "towing package" from the factory, you may have the factory engine oil cooler. They way that FORD did the engine oil cooler on the Windstar is that they cool the oil with the antifreeze...... The way to tell if you have this cooler....is to look very closely at the base of the oil filter. If you have the factory oil cooler....It will be what the engine oil filter screws into......and it will have 2 hoses going from it. The hoses (or pipes) are the in and out path for the antifreeze. This oil cooler CAN fail.....the fix is to replace it. I had to do a bit of digging on alldata to find this information. I do not have the cooler.....so I do not know much about it.....I just know that it screws into the oil filter spot....and then the oil filter screws into the oil cooler...which is only about an inch or so thick. The oil IS UNDER PRESSURE at this point....as it is pumped INTO the oil filter. As such....is is more likely to go into the antifreeze.

The other place that a leak "could" happen....is a leake from the tranny cooler that is in the radiator. Not as likely.. and it is not under as much pressure.....but another place to check.

Tmoke, I am very happy to hear that your problem is solved.....for less than a head gasket or rebuilt engine.

[beuthling]

GMC vans are the way to go! Im am into gmcs- I own the winstar - but if you want a good dependable van get a savana.

[ldare_2000]

I tried this stuff. I had a good look on the net and there where loads of idiots posting I am about to buy this..... and no follow ups.
I found it DID work, and can also confirm a successful compression test.
I don't expect it to last a life time. But Its worked so far so good.
Only down side said $45 for postage to UK and box has $22 postage on it. Bit naughty to make 100% on postage.
Other downside - Website says fully money back etc. In order to get money back instructions say you need to fax them an engineers report completed before and after using thermogasket. - I fear this might cost as much as the product and would put off most unsuccessful purchased.
Like I said it worked for me. I didn't even follow the instructions very well, didn't remove the thermostat and didn't change the oil despite it being milky.
Ask me a question if you want - [email protected]