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Coolant in oil

Tiny
LEO M.
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD MUSTANG
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 80,000 MILES
Recently I repaired a leaky radiator after some time which I have been running water because of that. Drove it until normal running temperature then shut off for the night with no noticeable leaks. Started car in morning and noticed it was really sluggish all of the sudden like it was misfiring in a cylinder. Checked oil and noticed it was milky. (No oil in coolant). Had a rusted shut thermostat also that I removed. Drained oil which came out pure water (about full capacity for car) then the milky oil drained out afterward. Then added coolant (water for testing). I left the oil pan plug screw out for this and when I filled radiator the water/coolant immediately came out of the oil pan drain. Also possible rust issues not sure. I’ve been running water for about 1 year with very light driving (under 3,000 miles).I will gladly pay any certified mechanic that knows why this is happening.
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 8:02 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Is there any external coolant leak?

Roy
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
LEO M.
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No sir there is not. And also I think I had a stuck thermostat which I removed after noticing the problem. Thanks
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 8:27 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That would not cause the issue.

Since it is an internal issue, I would drop the oil pan and have someone add water and watch for the source of the leak.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
LEO M.
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay. Hopefully it will be visible. I can hear the water going directly toward the oil pan like a straight shot. Really fast. Thank you. I’ll try that and let you know and pay you if this helps. Thank you!
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Keep us updated.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
LEO M.
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I hope to get to dropping the oil pan today or tomorrow. I will let you know.
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 8:33 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Sounds like a plan.

Roy
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
LEO M.
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, so I was going to drop the oil pan today and started to loosen the bolts. While looking up there I decided it would be easier to take off that oil filter housing and have a look at it. Well I guess the oil filter and the lower radiator hose share the same housing. Took it off and noticed a break in the gasket along aside the mountain of rust. I know, it will never happen again. I bypassed the housing and poured water directly into the block and sure enough nothing came out of the oil pan plug hole, thank goodness! Was close to scrapping the motor or replacing the block. So I’m assuming if I replace the gasket, we’re good. I added some pics sorry for the blurriness, phone on camera is messed. I’m going to get the gasket, new oil and antifreeze tomorrow. II will let you know the final result. Thank you again!
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good find.

Easy fix. Make sure you change the oil several times to be sure the coolant is gone.

Roy
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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 4:35 AM
Tiny
LEO M.
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, you’re right because I thought it would be gone when I put new oil in there without adding coolant and there was still a ton of it in there. But several times? Man that’s going to cost me. Also, did I mention the car is on an incline facing up? Is that okay?
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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, that is okay.

Roy
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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 2:07 PM

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