1998 Windstar Coolant Leak Big Issues

Flyingjackal456 · 12-17-2007, 04:30 PM

Ok so after I cleaned the overflow tank, I never really used it since, I drove it to the shop for tie-rods, then I brought it back. Today my dad took the van on a 200 mile drive, and it overheated (in the red) he pulled over and looked at it, he said it ran fine, but wouldn't stay cool. He got it home and I began to dig around.

Realizing that the radiator was missing about 2.5 - 3 gallons of coolant, and no apparent leaks, I then got scared. I looked at the dipstick, and the oil fill hole (pictures attached). The dipstick was just a tiny bit foamy (not much enough for a picture). Any way, the van will not stay running unless I leave the MAF housing off of the car like in IMG_0987.jpg, (The MAF was still plugged in) That yellowish foamy crap seems to have come from that plastic line running from the valve cover to the MAF housing. It seems to be oil, possibly mixed with coolant. The engine oil level is fine, there's no oil in the radiator, but the radiator was low.

The scary part is this screams Head Gasket or IMRC gaskets, and I really don't want to put much money into it, and I'm not ready to tear down an engine (let alone learning how to tear it down) in this snowy 20°F weather. (i have no heated area to work either)

If I'm wrong, or anyone wants more information please reply.

EDIT: By the way, without the MAF housing the engine seems to act decently normal.

jonmark1985 · 12-17-2007, 05:00 PM

That doesn't look good at all. Fill it up with coolant and change the oil. Antifreeze will do terrible things to motor oil. You may consider buying, borrowing or renting this tool from Lisle.

Part Number# 75500

Detail Page for 75500 Combustion Leak Detector - Lisle Corporation

mark v · 12-17-2007, 05:30 PM

Looks like your pop killed your Engine. I never seen an Engine with a foamy Oil cap after a big overheating last.

Time for a junker Engine or go all out for a new or reman Engine.

Good luck.

jonmark1985 · 12-17-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark v

Time for a junker Engine or go all out for a new or reman Engine.

Don't get over zealous, while that looks worse than anything I've ever seen changing head gaskets, head bolts, and get the heads milled might work too. Or hopefully none of that will be needed.

mark v · 12-17-2007, 05:45 PM

The reason I say that is because of the amount of miles on his Engine, not worth fixing IMHO.

Flyingjackal456 · 12-17-2007, 07:54 PM

Well I've read up on head gaskets, and I'm not seeing all of the symptoms, I have no smoke out of the tailpipe, the van runs ok as long as I pull out that hose shown in picture IMG_0989 (the last one) I'm leaving the thing in my driveway untill I decide what to do next.

How much should having a reman engine installed cost? I'd rather not buy a junker because it might happen again. How much should having the Head gasket, bolts, and Head milled cost?

Update: How can I get the van to the shop (about a 7 mile drive) Is it possible to drive it lightly without damage, or should I tow it? and I checked the dipstick and it has that milky foam crap all over, I'm sure it's a head gasket. If the repair is pricey, I might end up parting the van (anyone need parts?)

BryanF · 12-18-2007, 12:26 AM

there is a chance it could be the intake gasket (rather than the head gaasket), but the only good news that entails is that it would be easier to fix than head gaskets.

either way, you're definitely getting a whole lotta coolant in the crankcase, and it will take either a lot of your time and labor, or a lot of your money to get that engine back into good shape. sorry, but i kind of have to agree with mark v on this one. if you're going to chase after the underlying cause of the problem, you might as well do a full blown engine rebuild, which is up to you to determine whether or not it is worth it for your vehicle.

mark v · 12-18-2007, 09:55 AM

My reasonings is that you had a lot of coolant in the oil, this is not good for any bearings, also you got mega miles on that beast.

If the Van is in good shape it is always cheaper to do an Engine than buy a whole different Used Car.

mark v · 12-18-2007, 09:58 AM

Get an estimate first for an Engine and or Head gasket. Disconnect the MAF and drive it, add new coolant first. Drive it late at night to avoid traffic so you can get there faster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingjackal456

Update: How can I get the van to the shop (about a 7 mile drive) Is it possible to drive it lightly without damage, or should I tow it? and I checked the dipstick and it has that milky foam crap all over, I'm sure it's a head gasket. If the repair is pricey, I might end up parting the van (anyone need parts?)

ZBlackBeast · 12-18-2007, 11:07 AM

I agree. A motor swap on an ex for a remand long block is about 4200, so its probly somewhere in the 3500-4000 range for a new motor. For head gaskets youll end up paying a few hundred dollars. If the van is worth more than 5k with a running motor (New Car Prices | Used Car Values - Official Kelley Blue Book Site), i would replace the motor. It does sound like a head gasket. I recomend draining the oil, refilling, running with seafoam in crank case (30 min) draining oil, refill. The seafoam will clean anybuild up (dont use the whole can) good luck.