95 windstar oil in coolant reservoir

[tjgalvez]

I was checking the coolant level and noticed that I had oil at the bottom of my coolant reservoir. I then removed the radiator cap and had oil in there too. It still runs good, no collant loss, no overheating. Any suggestions on what could be wrong would be appreciated.

Before this problem, about 3 months ago, my 95 windstar was overheating and a coolant loss problem. Oil analysis from Blackstone confirmed that I had a large amount of coolant leak going into the oil inside the engine. This site suggested a lower intake manifold gasket replacement and did that. It was a difficult job for me but did it. After the manifold gasket replacement, my windstar runs good, no overheating, no coolant loss problem and had my engine oil checked by Blackstone again after 750 miles. The result was very good. very little amount of coolant in the oil, a residue from the coolant leak. I was told to change the oil and filter again and one more time after 700 miles.

[northern piper]

did you clean out the reservoir as well as do a flush and fill after the last problem? I'd be doing a flush and fill if not and make sure you clean the reservoir so you know it's not an old problem.

[tjgalvez]

yes, I flushed the cooling system and clean the reservoir after the gasket replacement. I also add a bottle of Bar's leak additive(pellet type)and replace the thermostat. Or maybe its the Bar's leak solution. Does it turn black in color after a while?

[wiswind]

The Bar's stop leak will cause a dark substance in the coolant.
Most likely, this is what you are seeing.

[ALAMOBRADY30]

3.8l it would be the headgasket. Ford had a lot of these problems. The headgasket would leak oil into coolant, and coolant in the oil. you might want to check the oil and see if it looks like choc. milk. Very common prob.
(7 years exp. ford mechanic)