This is the first time i've ever seen a milky substance in any engine so it was a shock when I discovered it. I've had cooling problems with the Festiva for a while although it hasn't happened in a couple months since I changed the temp sensor for the fan. The problem is that I can't keep the fan from the running when I try to start it warm and it will not start unless I pull the fuse. If I let it cool off completely it's fine. It hasn't been warming up completely either, the temp changes here in Kansas like mad so I can't keep track of it. I noticed the other day it had a coolant upchuck, coolant was all over drivers side of the engine bay, it also looks like there's antifreeze around the waterpump. It wasn't low though and some more ran out of the radiator for the sort time I had the cap off - it's like it somehow got fuller, the resivoir is at the normal level also. I changed the radiator cap and pcv valve the yesterday and it seems to be warming up to the normal temp. The pcv valve was also full of the milky substance, it seems like I have to replace these pcv valves way to often. Also during this time frame I was losing oil at about 1qt per 800. The oil that's in there Havoline 5w20/10w30 50/50 mix and it's darker than normal, it only has around 2500 of usage, I normally run it to 5k. I don't see any oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil. I've thought about changing the oil but the milky substance is still in the cap. I haven't had time to take it on a extended run, work is only ten miles and although it's warmed up completely by that time it hasn't been hot very long. I'm hoping to do a full 30 mile run on Tuesday. Advice anyone?
Uh oh milky cap...
- Thread starter wander2039
- Start date
- Status
Uh oh.. Could be a headgasket, cracked head or cracked block. Could be exhaust gases getting dumped into the cooling system causing a buildup of pressure, that could have caused the coolant upchuck and the higher than normal coolant level. Try this, when the engine is warmed up, look into the coolant recovery bottle, and if you see any bubbles in the bottle after the engine is warmed up then you've probably got a bad headgasket or cracked block or head. A good garage should be able to test your coolant for hydrocarbons, that's another way to tell if you've got a problem. If any of those tests indicate the presence of exhaust gas, then the head will have to come off. You might be lucky enough to get away with just a headgasket, but to be sure the head would have to be checked for warpage and cracks while it is off, and that can get a bit expensive. Ultimately if it comes down to it, a junkyard motor may be the cheapest route, especially if you can do the swap yourself or know someone who'll do if for cheap/free. Check out www.fordfestiva.com and post this question on the forums there. Let's just hope it's nothing serious.
Ring blow by or a blown head gasket and resulting condensation of water from the coolant causes milky oil.
bruce
bruce
Doh! Talk about a prelude to a bad day.
I've already posted bit and pieces of the problems over there... just wanted to see some BITOG's opinions. I was planning on an engine swap in spring/summer, but I was wanting to save this engine for a backup or another daily driver. I'll have to try the bubbles in the recovery bottle.. learn something new everyday.
Yeah all of this happened on the same day, the coldest day we've had here in Kansas City this season. At the same time my dash lights were flickering, and the water pump squealed a few times which it normally does only if it gets wet. So yes it was a interesting night.
Borrow a carbon monoxide detector, put it in a plastic bag, and add some gas from the overflow tank after the motor has run a bit. If it goes off, then you know for sure there is exhaust gas leaking into the cooling system.
If you catch the problem early enough (if indeed there is a problem) you might get away with just a headgasket and maybe some coolant leak sealer.
BTW, you mentioned an engine swap in the spring. What are you swapping to? Staying with the B3 or going for something with a bit more power?
Currently planning for a B6D, from a Mercury Capri, they seem plentiful and cheap in this area. Was looking at the BP but to me that might be overdueing it a wee bit in the stiva', if the B6D isn't enough.. there's always a turbo. If all goes well though with that transplant a BP will be going in the aspire though, whoever thought of putting a 1.3 in that heavy car ought to shot.
I tried the bubbles in the over-flow tank and didn't see any, even under hard revs. I think i'm just going to watch it, and unless it blows it should make it another 3 months. Well if the better-half doesn't drive it that is.
I tried the bubbles in the over-flow tank and didn't see any, even under hard revs. I think i'm just going to watch it, and unless it blows it should make it another 3 months. Well if the better-half doesn't drive it that is.
- Status
