Author Topic: Minivan isn't doing well.  (Read 1721 times)

Offline Psysama

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Minivan isn't doing well.
« on: April 25, 2015, 12:41:59 AM »
My current vehicle (a Ford 2001 Windstar, 200k+ miles) currently has a problem with the head gasket (I think that's what I heard).  All I know is the oil is leaking into the coolant.  Because of how the vehicle is made, the engine has to be taken out to fix the problem, which is going to be expensive.  Now I am not TOO worried about it because a solution usually arises eventually, but my wife is more worried because she is the one that uses the vehicle the most (to get to work and back) and it's used to pick up my son who lives a good 30+ minute drive out (then 30+ back).  What to do...
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Offline bhu

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2015, 03:31:24 AM »
I'd get it done if I were you.  Oil leaking into the coolant is a hella bad sign.

Offline Psysama

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2015, 03:36:43 AM »
The problem is the location of the head gasket requires the motor to be pulled out just to get to it.  The cost for the labor (and replacement part) is around $1400 just to replace a part that probably costs no more than $100.
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Offline bhu

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2015, 03:50:37 AM »
You're certain it's the head gasket?  Does it overheat at all?

Offline Psysama

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2015, 03:53:07 AM »
The temperature gauge goes up when you drive it, there is a light going off with an engine symbol and the coolant is turning to sludge.
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Offline bhu

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2015, 03:54:38 AM »
Overheating means it could also be a cracked head.  Did they do any testing to be sure it was the gasket?

Offline Psysama

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2015, 03:57:00 AM »
It's at the shop right now but it's going to cost $400 dollars just to find out, and I have to wait until Monday to find out.
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Offline bhu

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2015, 04:00:26 AM »
Okay. 

As someone who has had similar problems, let me assure you this is not something you can let go.  If it's not a cracked head yet, the overheating can eventually do the job, though looking through the Ford forums it looks like the Windstar has had a history of gasket problems.  There might even be a recall depending on your make and model.

Offline Arz

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2015, 03:23:15 PM »
Had one of those (96) with the same problem. Its expensive to fix so start socking away for new transport. Even if you have a trusted mechanic fix the problem you'll only add another 6 months before you have more engine trouble. Personally don't think a new engine is worth it on that vehicle, so...

Offline awaken_D_M_golem

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Re: Minivan isn't doing well.
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2015, 04:24:41 PM »
2nd-ing " Its expensive to fix so start socking away for new transport."

The classic case # numbers wise, I needed $500 rear brakes + $500 front axles + $700 torque converter, just to keep a Subaru on the road, not counting State Inspection or overheating or busted A/C system.  But I traded the car in for ~$700 and came out ahead on the deal ; way ahead.

PepBoys and similar, have a complicated but do-able Goo that "repairs head gaskets".
In other words, you might get it to work, and just long enough to unload the car.
Good idea to do full disclosure when selling
= "IDK WTF I tried this stuff it seems to work maybe you can fix it"  :bigeyes



... As someone who has had similar problems ...

Yeah I've blown a head gasket too.
figuratively and literally
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