Coolant Problem

az98PIgt · January 27th, 2011, 07:47 PM

Ok so while waxing the car today i decided to check all the fluids. Checked the coolant and its a dark brown and like mud inside the resevior. Now the car shows no symptoms of overheating or having a bad head gasket.

Specs on the car:

-98 GT w/a 2000 PI motor and transmission (only 50K on them)

I checked the oil and there is no coolant in it, checked the trans fluid (a/t) and it was still pink/red, also checked the power steering and it was normal color. So what can it be?

I was led in a couple directions such as a bad radiator (internal crack) or a bad oil cooler adapter that could leaking oil into the coolant...Thoughts?? Suggestions??

Tang Stang · January 28th, 2011, 08:33 AM

Did this suddenly happen, or have you not checked the coolant in some time? Are you running straight 50/50 water/antifreeze, or did you put an additive like water wetter in there?

az98PIgt · January 28th, 2011, 10:10 AM

it was checked about 2 months ago when i installed a water temp guage and it was green. im using 50/50 mix no additives. Im thinking its the gasket on the oil filter adapter...gunna check that shortly

97S281 · January 28th, 2011, 10:12 AM

I have seen plenty of radiators get a light brown build up in them over time but not a dark brown like you suggest. I would change out the fluid and see if the discoloration comes back to verify if you are getting oil in your cooling system.

On a side note, i would recommend just swapping out your radiator for a new one rather than doing a flush / boil out treatment. Every time I have ever used the flush treatment it unlodges something that takes out my heater core. I mean every car, every time. A new radiator takes about an hour and a half to install tops and cost less than $200. Swapping out a heater core is a very lengthy and frustrating process that will take you a weekend to do and will cost you around $500 if you take it somewhere to have it done.

96greenstang96 · January 29th, 2011, 09:18 PM

Hi not sure if im in the right area just joined today. I have a 96 gt stick and i keep blowing radiators and i just wanted advice. I have a few mods, PI heads,manifold, Full length headers, mishimoto rad, EMP Stewart water pump. first mishi lasted 4-6 months replaced it with warranty. put new one in.// heater core blows out, bypassed it, month later radiator leaks bad again put stock one in and again same issue. could it be faulty rad cap, stat head gasket ??

mach1soldier · January 30th, 2011, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by 96greenstang96

Hi not sure if im in the right area just joined today. I have a 96 gt stick and i keep blowing radiators and i just wanted advice. I have a few mods, PI heads,manifold, Full length headers, mishimoto rad, EMP Stewart water pump. first mishi lasted 4-6 months replaced it with warranty. put new one in.// heater core blows out, bypassed it, month later radiator leaks bad again put stock one in and again same issue. could it be faulty rad cap, stat head gasket ??

mishimoto radiators are known to fail quite often. Put an oem one back in there. Running your car a little cooler (180-190 degrees instead of 205-210) could help as well. Use the fan settings on your tuner.

mach1soldier · January 30th, 2011, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by az98PIgt

Ok so while waxing the car today i decided to check all the fluids. Checked the coolant and its a dark brown and like mud inside the resevior. Now the car shows no symptoms of overheating or having a bad head gasket.

Specs on the car:

-98 GT w/a 2000 PI motor and transmission (only 50K on them)

I checked the oil and there is no coolant in it, checked the trans fluid (a/t) and it was still pink/red, also checked the power steering and it was normal color. So what can it be?

I was led in a couple directions such as a bad radiator (internal crack) or a bad oil cooler adapter that could leaking oil into the coolant...Thoughts?? Suggestions??

I would suggest that before you do anything, drain the radiator fluid into a clean pan and then pour it into a clear jug. If you see oil floating at the top, then you know to check the oil filter adapter first.

If it is just dirt, it will be mixed throughout the jar.

wrenchhog44 · January 30th, 2011, 10:31 PM

It's not uncommon for internal engine problems to result in oil leaking into the water while not leaking water into the oil. However, I doubt this is your problem. I believe that it is more likely that a lage amount of sediment broke loose and dispersed in you coolant supply. I would reccomend having your cooling system flushed and keep an eye on your coolant level and condition.

V8POWA! · February 9th, 2011, 09:20 PM

bro. i think this is happening to mine right now too. any update??

96greenstang96 · February 13th, 2011, 12:16 PM

Not yet, but it cant be the mishi rad because i had put oem one back in and it did it to.
New Rad will be here in a few days and im just going to replace the stat and hopfully that will cure the prob.

96greenstang96 · May 13th, 2011, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by 96greenstang96

Not yet, but it cant be the mishi rad because i had put oem one back in and it did it to.
New Rad will be here in a few days and im just going to replace the stat and hopfully that will cure the prob.

(update) Rad cap pressure to high needed to go to lowerer PSI cap rating

canada_gt · May 14th, 2011, 02:25 AM

weird

96greenstang96 · January 6th, 2012, 06:40 PM

>>>>>>blown head gasket was the problem i believe<<<<<<
just progressively got worse till i noticed it was really pressurizing the coolant system. opened up cap and could smell exhaust lol. but oil isnt milky. Drove like that for a while surprised i didn't hydro lock it.Try to chang it out in the spring .>>>>> but came across a 94 mark viii with 50000miles on it going to swap it. lota good info on the swap around hopfuley make it a peice of cake.

p4ndiamond · January 6th, 2012, 11:47 PM

When i had that issue i later found out it was deteriorating heater hoses on the back of the intake. when it blew the INSIDE was dry rotten and i only found out because it blew off. after that it stopped doing this. I suggest inspecting them all before it becomes a bad situation.

96greenstang96 · January 9th, 2012, 12:45 AM

Originally Posted by p4ndiamond

When i had that issue i later found out it was deteriorating heater hoses on the back of the intake. when it blew the INSIDE was dry rotten and i only found out because it blew off. after that it stopped doing this. I suggest inspecting them all before it becomes a bad situation.

heater core blew a while ago i just bypassed it instead of taking the dash out. your talking about the hoses that go into the firewall right?

stang98piswap · April 17th, 2012, 05:36 PM

back to the oil in coolant problemo!! I flushed my system two months ago and the oily coolant is back... must be the oil cooler adapter gasket right?? how do i change it and where is it??

xandraxal · April 17th, 2012, 07:00 PM

From what I understand, a blown head gasket wont mix water into the oil on a modular motor. I could be wrong though

stang98piswap · April 17th, 2012, 10:50 PM

well i doubt it a blown head gasket... my problem is not coolant in my oil... but oil in my cooling system instead.... I've been reading its a common problem having to do with my engine oil cooler gasket?? anyone shine some light on this please

p4ndiamond · April 18th, 2012, 12:37 AM

Yes i have seen it happen a few times.

xandraxal · April 18th, 2012, 12:24 PM

Yes, doubtful its headgasket. Are you sure its oil in radiator and not tranny fluid?

January 27th, 2011, 07:47 PM	#1
az98PIgt Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 34 iTrader: 0 reviews	Coolant Problem Ok so while waxing the car today i decided to check all the fluids. Checked the coolant and its a dark brown and like mud inside the resevior. Now the car shows no symptoms of overheating or having a bad head gasket. Specs on the car: -98 GT w/a 2000 PI motor and transmission (only 50K on them) I checked the oil and there is no coolant in it, checked the trans fluid (a/t) and it was still pink/red, also checked the power steering and it was normal color. So what can it be? I was led in a couple directions such as a bad radiator (internal crack) or a bad oil cooler adapter that could leaking oil into the coolant...Thoughts?? Suggestions??

January 28th, 2011, 08:33 AM	#2
Tang Stang Hardcore Enthusiast 2004 Mustang GT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 1,961 iTrader: 2 reviews	Did this suddenly happen, or have you not checked the coolant in some time? Are you running straight 50/50 water/antifreeze, or did you put an additive like water wetter in there? __________________ Rod @ AzzKicker Cars 2004 Ford Mustang GT-The Driver-BBK CAI, PP TB & Inlet, Steeda UD's, SLP LM1, & 3.73's. 1990 Mercury Cougar XR7-The Meth Addict-5.0L DOHC Stroker w/2.1L KB SC. 1995 Ford F150-Mud Toy-5.0L, 4x4, 33's, & Warn 8274 Winch

January 28th, 2011, 10:12 AM	#4
97S281 Rollin' 18/ pushin' 2 1997 Saleen S281 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The lost highway Posts: 6,673 iTrader: 13 reviews	I have seen plenty of radiators get a light brown build up in them over time but not a dark brown like you suggest. I would change out the fluid and see if the discoloration comes back to verify if you are getting oil in your cooling system. On a side note, i would recommend just swapping out your radiator for a new one rather than doing a flush / boil out treatment. Every time I have ever used the flush treatment it unlodges something that takes out my heater core. I mean every car, every time. A new radiator takes about an hour and a half to install tops and cost less than $200. Swapping out a heater core is a very lengthy and frustrating process that will take you a weekend to do and will cost you around $500 if you take it somewhere to have it done. __________________ MODS IN GARAGE NCMM ORIGINAL BLOWN 96-98 CREW MEMBER # 1

January 30th, 2011, 10:31 PM	#8
wrenchhog44 Regular 1998 Mustang GT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 140 iTrader: 0 reviews	It's not uncommon for internal engine problems to result in oil leaking into the water while not leaking water into the oil. However, I doubt this is your problem. I believe that it is more likely that a lage amount of sediment broke loose and dispersed in you coolant supply. I would reccomend having your cooling system flushed and keep an eye on your coolant level and condition. __________________ When in doubt, go by the rule of dog... If you can't eat it or f*ck it, just piss on it and walk away.

February 9th, 2011, 09:20 PM	#9
V8POWA! POWA! 24/7 fukkers 1996 Mustang GT 1 @ 1 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Cali 805 Posts: 4,824 iTrader: 1 reviews	bro. i think this is happening to mine right now too. any update?? __________________ Check Out My Build Thread!

January 28th, 2011, 10:10 AM	#3
az98PIgt Newbie Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 34 iTrader: 0 reviews	it was checked about 2 months ago when i installed a water temp guage and it was green. im using 50/50 mix no additives. Im thinking its the gasket on the oil filter adapter...gunna check that shortly

January 29th, 2011, 09:18 PM	#5
96greenstang96 Newbie 1996 Mustang GT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 1 hr South of Chicago Posts: 5 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	Hi not sure if im in the right area just joined today. I have a 96 gt stick and i keep blowing radiators and i just wanted advice. I have a few mods, PI heads,manifold, Full length headers, mishimoto rad, EMP Stewart water pump. first mishi lasted 4-6 months replaced it with warranty. put new one in.// heater core blows out, bypassed it, month later radiator leaks bad again put stock one in and again same issue. could it be faulty rad cap, stat head gasket ??

February 13th, 2011, 12:16 PM	#10
96greenstang96 Newbie 1996 Mustang GT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 1 hr South of Chicago Posts: 5 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	Not yet, but it cant be the mishi rad because i had put oem one back in and it did it to. New Rad will be here in a few days and im just going to replace the stat and hopfully that will cure the prob.

May 14th, 2011, 02:25 AM	#12
canada_gt Regular 1996 mustang gt Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Squamish B.C CANADA Posts: 116 iTrader: 0 reviews	weird __________________ 1996 gt new motor and hopefully more POWA 1988 5.0L lx sold

January 6th, 2012, 06:40 PM	#13
96greenstang96 Newbie 1996 Mustang GT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 1 hr South of Chicago Posts: 5 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 0 reviews	>>>>>>blown head gasket was the problem i believe<<<<<< just progressively got worse till i noticed it was really pressurizing the coolant system. opened up cap and could smell exhaust lol. but oil isnt milky. Drove like that for a while surprised i didn't hydro lock it.Try to chang it out in the spring .>>>>> but came across a 94 mark viii with 50000miles on it going to swap it. lota good info on the swap around hopfuley make it a peice of cake.

January 6th, 2012, 11:47 PM	#14
p4ndiamond Hardcore Enthusiast 1997 Pacific Green Cobra 14.80 No traction Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,216 iTrader: 0 reviews	When i had that issue i later found out it was deteriorating heater hoses on the back of the intake. when it blew the INSIDE was dry rotten and i only found out because it blew off. after that it stopped doing this. I suggest inspecting them all before it becomes a bad situation. __________________ GT ENGINE (temporary) 4.30 Gears , 31 spline Moser axles , Detroit tru Trac diff, Jmod 4r70w , Pi intake Hitech stage 2 cam, Vortech V2 3.33 pulley. Alum drive shaft. Lowering kit x2 ball joints ,screamin demon coils, LCA "

April 17th, 2012, 05:36 PM	#16
stang98piswap Regular 1998 mustang gt Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: tampa florida Posts: 153 iTrader: 0 reviews	back to the oil in coolant problemo!! I flushed my system two months ago and the oily coolant is back... must be the oil cooler adapter gasket right?? how do i change it and where is it?? __________________ P.I. Heads/Cams, PI Intake, 80mm maf, CAI, ported C&L plenum, ported 70mm proproducts throttle body, 3.73 gears, manifold back {no cats} custom exhaust/side pipes, msd coils, Taylor 409 wires, two row aluminum radiator...SCT Livewire bamachips tuned

April 17th, 2012, 07:00 PM	#17
xandraxal 2v power 96 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: florida Posts: 92 iTrader: 0 reviews	From what I understand, a blown head gasket wont mix water into the oil on a modular motor. I could be wrong though

April 17th, 2012, 10:50 PM	#18
stang98piswap Regular 1998 mustang gt Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: tampa florida Posts: 153 iTrader: 0 reviews	well i doubt it a blown head gasket... my problem is not coolant in my oil... but oil in my cooling system instead.... I've been reading its a common problem having to do with my engine oil cooler gasket?? anyone shine some light on this please __________________ P.I. Heads/Cams, PI Intake, 80mm maf, CAI, ported C&L plenum, ported 70mm proproducts throttle body, 3.73 gears, manifold back {no cats} custom exhaust/side pipes, msd coils, Taylor 409 wires, two row aluminum radiator...SCT Livewire bamachips tuned

April 18th, 2012, 12:37 AM	#19
p4ndiamond Hardcore Enthusiast 1997 Pacific Green Cobra 14.80 No traction Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,216 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yes i have seen it happen a few times. __________________ GT ENGINE (temporary) 4.30 Gears , 31 spline Moser axles , Detroit tru Trac diff, Jmod 4r70w , Pi intake Hitech stage 2 cam, Vortech V2 3.33 pulley. Alum drive shaft. Lowering kit x2 ball joints ,screamin demon coils, LCA "

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Ford Mustang Forum Advertisement

April 18th, 2012, 12:24 PM	#20
xandraxal 2v power 96 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: florida Posts: 92 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yes, doubtful its headgasket. Are you sure its oil in radiator and not tranny fluid?

Threads Similar to: Coolant Problem
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
coolant problem :-\	dpbbnc89	99-04	16	August 3rd, 2010 08:22 AM
Coolant problem	energiesource	99-04	2	January 8th, 2010 05:53 PM
Coolant problem	ssprofession	96-98	13	January 27th, 2009 10:59 PM
Coolant Problem	sn95cobra	96-98	6	November 8th, 2007 01:26 AM
Coolant Problem!!	jkonfuzhon	5.0 Mustangs	5	February 19th, 2007 10:45 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:20 AM.
Contact Us - Modded Mustangs : Ford Mustang Forums - Privacy Statement - Top
Modded Mustangs is ©2005-2008, All Rights Reserved, And is Not Affiliated with Ford Motor Company. Forum is powered by vBulletin ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Ent. Ltd. & SEO by vBSEO 3.3.2 ©2009, Crawlability, Inc.