1999 Ford Explorer Engine coolant in Oil.

BORACAYOCEAN69

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
77,000 MILES

Hi guys, Thanks for your website. Very much appreciate your help!

I own a 99 Ford Explorer. I knew there were colants leaks (one was head gasket- shop pointed it out). The other was the water pump.

I parked the suv until such a time that I could get it fixed. I checled the oil with a dip stick after parking the suv and it was fine. But a few months later my Dad without consent or even my knowledge of doing so started it and ran it to show to a friend (possible buyer).

He later told me what he did and that it blew smoke. I knew then that my Dad had caused me a big problem.

MY QUESTION IS:
Even though there is coolant in the oil is it stil possible that it can be fixed? Maybe just fix the head gasket and replace the oil & filter? Is it worth the $1,500 + to try and fix it to see if it still runs good?

God Bless and thank you very much for your help!

1 Reply

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

It all depends on the condition of the piston rings and the reason it began to smoke. Do a compression and leak down test on each cylinder - the difference between each cylinder should be no more than 10%. If the difference is greater than 10%, then the piston rings (probably) have failed and the motor is on the way out. Tearing the heads off and replacing the gaskets and valve seals may fix the problem, but if the piston rings are worn it is not worth it.