2004 Ford Expedition coolant in the oil

UAENGINEERING5

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPEDITION
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
198,000 MILES

Hey guys. I sure could use some help. I noticed my Expedition had began to lose coolant 2 weeks ago. I looked at all the hoses and felt around the heatercore, but couldn't figure out where it was going. I was away at school so I had to drive it until I got back home. Well needless to say I found that the coolant was getting into the oil because my oil was reading over the full line. The truck has been well maintained, has never been ran hot, and the engine hasn't lost any power. I parked it when I got home last week. I am a broke college kid and really hope I dont have to replace the motor. What do you guys think? Could it possibly be a gasket or should I expect to have to find 4 or 5 grand for a motor. Which I dont have!

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 AT 11:11 AM

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Relax, chances are the engine will be fine. However, you did mention the oil is overfull. Does it appear as though the coolant has made its way into the engine oil?

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, February 26th, 2010 AT 5:14 PM

UAENGINEERING5

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The oil was changed about 4 weeks prior to me noticing that the coolant was getting low. It was changed at a 10 min oil change place and the guy showed me the stick after he changed it. It was right where it was supposed to be then and looked clean. Now its above the full line and is real black and grimey looking. There was also some condensation on the inside of the oil cap, if that helps. Im assuming its coolant that is getting in the oil, but im not 100% positive. Thanks for your help, Joe. Im still nervous about the outcome, but as long as it turns out to not have motor damage I may can afford to get it fixed. Thanks again for the help, Joe. I really appreciate it.

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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 10:05 AM