[Mustanq]

Hey guys, I've noticed a problem with my radiator coolant. I filled it up to the line where it said it was full because it was low. So then I go out driving it for about 20 min then came back and checked it and it was back to the empty line saying I need to add more. I checked for any noticeable coolant leaks on the ground but there isn't any. I do smell some coolant though when its been running for a bit and when it sits sometimes as well. I'm not sure what it can be, I have to fill it up to the line almost everyday I go out driving. There seems to be white smoke coming out of the exhaust but I think thats normal since it only happen this morning and it was a bit cooler than usual. I would appreciate any help, thanks!

[stanged1970]

Sounds like you're burning coolant, but you say that you only got smoke this morning otherwise you've never had it before? Did you check your oil to see if it looks like there might be water in it? It should look like chocolate milk if it has water. You may have a bad head gasket.

[Mustanq]

Well the other day I did a exhaust clip and at the first revs I didn't see any smoke until I did them higher and it started to come out a lot. I checked the oil just now and it did look like chocolate milk. A combination of dark/light brown. I also added more coolant because it was empty again..

Could there also be other reasons why it may be leaking? Like a bad water pump? I should be able to notice a leak on the floor though so I'm not sure.

[93stangfutr5.0]

what it sounds like to me is head gasket because the reason your oil is that color is because water got into it.

[Mustanq]

Well thanks for all the help guys. I'm not sure if ill be able to replace the head gasket myself but it seems to be the cause of my radiator leak.

Now to get the new head gasket. Anyone know where I can find one online?

Thanks for the help once again and appreciate any further help.

[93stangfutr5.0]

head gasket should only be about 10 15 bucks its just the labor that takes a while.

heres one on autozone for only $10 http://www.autozone.com/R,648790/veh...ductDetail.htm

[NavySVO]

Get a Felpro 1035. A little costly but WELL worth the money.

On another note, if coolant IS getting mixed in with the oil STOP RUNNING it and fix it or you will be spending more than the $70.00 for a head gasket.
http://forced4.com/svostore.html

[Mustanq]

Thanks for the sites, they were very helpful! I did stop driving it the moment I found out it had a coolant leak. I'm getting it towed tomorrow morning Tuesday to get it fixed. I would take it to my school and fix it there but its a 45 min drive which I don't want to risk. Once again thanks for all the help, you guys are great

[Mustanq]

Hey everyone, so it turned out it wasn't a bad head gasket. I had it taken to a nearby shop and they said one of the hoses had a hole in it. They replaced the hose and it doesn't leak anymore. I told him it only leaked when it ran but they said that they ran it too and still found no leak.

Although I still see a lot of white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. I drove it for a couple mins then checked the coolant and it was fine. I just don't know what could be the cause of the white smoke because I also see some clear liquid coming out of the tail pipe and it doesn't smell like unburnt gas to me. Is this normal?

[NavySVO]

Do a compression test and report back with the results. Make sure the engine is good and warmed up as well.