Coolant in the oil?

[88ranger2.95sp]

Ok, I'm losing coolant.

Water pump is ok, hose clamps are tight. Heater core doesn't leak. New upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. I just put them on myself and I did it right. It can't be a head gasket, my compression checks out even 140 +/- ~7 psi across the board. I'm not losing a whole hell of alot, but enough to make me think there's a deeper problem.

Could I have a cracked head? I've heard that was a problem on these motors. Can someone enlighten me please?

Rob

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

Sounds like you might have a cracked head.

 

[low_five]

Ive been losing coolant for about a year now. my oil is clean.

I think an exhaust port might be cracked and coolant is leaking into the hot exhaust passage and turning to steam.

just keep an eye on your levels.

 

[doorgunner]

my '89 2.9l is loosing a little coolant too--found a drip at the head gasket between the # 1 & #2 cylinders(150psi on both cylinders/180,000 miles)--so far the engine heat dries it up before it's able to drip on the driveway. head bolts are all torqued tight. gonna drive it til it sprays--might last ten days/might last ten years!

 

[88ranger2.95sp]

gonna drive it til it sprays!

Hell yeah!

I think I'm just gonna keep topping off coolant, and every week or so, just drain a quart of oil out, and throw a quart in ... I don't see why that wouldn't keep my pistons from blowin sky high...

Rob

 

[low_five]

wait, do you have bubbles of coolant in your oil? if so, you need to get new heads. you will trash your bearings if you allow coolant to stay in the oil.

 

[cckc135r]

If a compression test was done and found to be within limits, your next step should to pressure check the cooling system to see if it has a drop in pressure. If so, you can put a dye in the coolant to see where it's leaking from. I had good compression too but was getting coolant in the oil........trashed cam bearings and the infamous upper end ticking.