[onlylilolme]

Hey guys and gals--I'm new to this forum and my baby is having a problem I need help with. I have a stock, 2000, v6, 3.8L mustang with oil in the water, but no water in the oil. I replaced the radiator as I was told that it was probably the oil cooler. It worked for about a week, but she's got oil in the water again. She runs great and stays cool. She doesnt have any major problems except that. I had the heads rebuilt about 12000 miles ago. Shes at 164000 miles. Any ideas would be helpful!!!

 

[shinerstang]

It sounds like the lower intake gasket......

 

[2003V6stang]

Yup i agree sounds like the lower intake gasket

 

[RacerJ]

I see this is an old post, but I'm hoping it gets reread.
:?:
I have a 1994 - same problem, however, I've read something about a 'oil cooler' that may not be an actual external Oil Cooler, but maybe a heat exchange devise in the water jacket, lower radiator hose, or oil filter mount. Does it cause the same problems? does it exist? Is this lower Intake (manifold?) gasket the most likely cause?

It's my friends car, she's disabled & poor, I can't afford to buy too much stuff myself, so please have a cost saving solution if possible?

Thanks, everyone!

PS, you mean intake manifold or air intake? I haven't worked on a mustang newer than 1970

 

[trashpickinman]

RacerJ, if the vehicle is a V6. I don't believe any from that year range came stock with an engine oil cooler. Though if it is an automatic transmission, the trans lines do run through the radiator. Drive the car up to temperature, then pull the trans dipstick, make sure there is no water in the transmission.

As said above, and in my 96 that I did a few weeks ago as well, it was the lower intake gasket. The lower intake is the casting of metal that sits just above the heads, but below the larger upper intake manifold. The air intake is the rubber tube running from the air filter up to the throttle body.

 

[Stangs4life1987]

If all else fails try installing a transmission oil cooler outside the radiator. cost $40 at most auto stores. i just put one on mine and it made a huge difference. It stays cooler and shifts alot smother now then before.

 

[RacerJ]

Ok so this thing in red (intake manifold)?

Also a mechanic said could be several different gaskets, with the high-pressure oil system, would give the same results.
Thanks for the replies

 

[Markstang]

yep that is the lower intake manifold, hidden under all those pipes, wires and stuff, it provides air passages from the upper intake to each cylinder

 

[RacerJ]

Ok that's what I thought. (-why I asked "you mean intake manifold or air intake?" never heard of 'lower intake' before, Yes I do see the upper plenum-type intake devise)

ALSO - anyone know of any way to test this - the manifold gasket other than removing it and looking ?

 

[Markstang]

personally dont know of any way to test a leak between coolant and oil passages like that other than the teardown.. i think no matter what you do, the problem lies in the engine so either way you'll have to tear down the intakes and get in there