2000 Windstar; Chevron Supreme 5W-30; 4,361 miles

[ag_ghost]

After receiving this report, I remember noting that the coolant level has dropped in the recovery tank maybe a half-inch or so. The note is the reason I do UOAs every so often. The prior oils used are in the client box I inserted above. My wife loves the van so I plan to investigate the leak. The oil filter was a FL-400S (fall 2014) that I may try to open for inspection at some point.

Kevin

 

[KGMtech]

That engine is noted for head gasket issues. Get it fixed and go another 150,000 if you want.

 

[oilstudent24]

I knew of a family that blew a head gasket on their 95 3.8. Thought it might have been fixed by 2000.

 

[BubbaFL]

Another vote for potential head gasket issues.

If you plan to keep the van, fix it sooner rather than later - much easier to do the head gaskets than pull the engine and rebuild the bottom end after a catastrophic failure.

My wife loves her '03 Windstar, so guess who got to rebuild a Ford 3.8 the year before last...

 

[Lubener]

I had one of these dreaded 3.8's. I had similiar readings and did nothing. Six months later, the head gasket blew, coolant filled one of the cylinders and the engine hydolocked. My mistake. Get it checked right away.

 

[ag_ghost]

Got it thanks. I'd heard about the issue and fantasized that after 15 years and nearly 180,000 I got lucky.
Kevin

 

[BubbaFL]

Originally Posted By: ag_ghost
[font:Arial]Got it thanks. I'd heard about the issue and fantasized that after 15 years and nearly 180,000 I got lucky.


15 years and 180k on a Windstar without blowing the motor or transaxle, I'd say you got very lucky!

 

[BubbaFL]

Here's what happens when you don't deal with the 3.8's head gasket issues!

CAM00081

 

[ThirdeYe]

My sister had an '01 Windstar that had a head gasket issue as well. We tried a stop leak in the reservoir and it worked for a while, then catastrophically let go, causing the rod to blow a hole into the side of the block. Amazingly, it still ran, though it sounded like a jackhammer. In short, make sure to stay on top of the leak in those 3.8s... her van had around 221k on it at the time, I believe. The gauges went haywire shortly beforehand, too.

This was while idling at a stop sign:

The aftermath:

 

[ag_ghost]

Yes I understand what head gasket issues can cause and appreciate the comment it could just "go" with no warning. Delamination of a lot of the paint, original unrebuilt trans which still works well, one door lock is sticking, one back window doesn't move --- all adding up to research and planning for alternative rides ... I just love dealing with the mess of buying and selling cars.

Kevin

 

[addyguy]

Good idea on looking for a new ride..would not put that much work into a 15-year old van with that much mileage that has other issues.

You did good getting that much out of an engine known for issues...