About 2 weeks ago, I found coolant in my oil. I've driven it about 200 miles since then (only vehicle and didn't have a choice). Everything still runs good, and i've taken it as easy as absolutely could. Is motor gonna be pretty much screwed or is it still salvageable if I get it fixed now?
2006-10-29 10:51:37 · 12 answers · asked by jdm3715 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
edit: sry, car is '96 z26 beretta with 3.1 SFI V6
2006-10-29 11:02:56 · update #1
Stop!You probably have coolant in your oil too. You may only need a head gasket, but the presence of either in the wrong spot keeps the other from working properly,and will soon need big repairs. Get it to a mechanic.
2006-10-29 10:53:17 · answer #1 · answered by TiM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably salvageable because anti freeze does have lubricating qualities however, since the repair involves changing the head gaskets you should consider dropping the oil pan and relacing both main and connecting rod bearings at least! Personally I wouldn't rebuild the engine at this point. The main concern is that you weren't over heating while doing this or more than likely you will have scored pistons and cylinders, possible cracked heads and/or block etc. You don't mention the make and model with engine size but a replacement engine might be the way to go at this point!
2006-10-29 18:58:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fix it as soon as possible. Either head gasket or cracked head. You've probably done some damage. Water doesn't lubricate the engine very well and hinders the oil from lubricating the engine. The engine may be salvageable but you have probably shortened it's life span a little.
2006-10-29 18:56:34 · answer #3 · answered by psycho88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, that's not good, you have coolant leaking past your head gasket, and pretty soon the oil and coolant will combine to make nice sludge that will clog oil galleries, and your oil pump. Time to think about a new motor.
2006-10-29 18:55:19 · answer #4 · answered by quick_ridez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your motor may not be screwed. Most of the time you just need to get a head gasket replaced. This is expensive but not as much as a new motor.
2006-10-29 18:54:02 · answer #5 · answered by sooners83 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think you have damaged it yet. You could soon, so take it easy on the miles. It depends on how fast it is leaking into your Crank case. You could keep draining it until you get time to fix it, but could get in trouble. 90% sure it is your head gasket, or if you overheated it a crack in the head. Get it fixed as quickly as possible.
2006-10-29 18:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most here, get it into the shop and have the head gasket replaced, just be sure that they check to see if the head isn't warped, if so it'll need to be skimmed before fitting the new gasket. Good luck with it!
2006-10-29 19:00:01 · answer #7 · answered by JMac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Engines are pretty durable, so I'd get it fixed and maybe do one or two short-mileage oil changes afterward. It may need a head gasket.
2006-10-29 19:01:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
coolant in the oil, take your car to your mechanic, and don't drive it until he sees what damage you have going on there. good luck
2006-10-29 19:07:34 · answer #9 · answered by misselliet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like your heads, could be gasket, or...lets hope not a crack, or a warp, your engine should be ok, but hurry to a good mechanic................& always if you add water, make sure your engine is cooled off, or make sure its running if you have to add water sooner, good luck.
2006-10-29 18:57:27 · answer #10 · answered by onecent1232003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋