lower intake mainifold gasket crack [sings/symptoms?] coolant flow schematic? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

blinkyvx · 01-11-2012, 13:17

trying to find out where this coolant is leaking from it's where the block meets the header.

talking to my uncle he mentioned the lower intake manifold [LIM] so started reading on that.. As he had it crack on him and engine sized and he had to replace himself.

But from what I read it doesnt have anything to do with the flow of water/ coolant through the engine?

*So if it is cracked would it cause coolant to leak in the above mentioned spot?

Found diagrams online of the LIM [any others if related could help if anyone has em' handy]

Does anyone think If I took a photo of the leak spot would help?

[the leak spot] Is right above a large square peg type thing [ maybe its a spot to lift the engine out im not sure]

One symptom [cracked LIM] was coolant in the oil when i have it changed which I will be doing soon and will ask to look at the oil, but from the dipstick draw the oil is not milky/milkshake color at all, and looks normal

**Bert** · 01-11-2012, 13:34

What year and engine is it?

blinkyvx · 01-11-2012, 18:54

95' 3.8 non SC 63k miles

**Bert** · 01-11-2012, 21:15

It'd probably be better to have a picture of the location. The 3.8 can have the timing cover leaking and often leaks into the oil pan. That will wipe the bearings out pretty quick.

blinkyvx · 01-12-2012, 07:08

wouldnt i see a change in oil color then? milkshake? its normal same color i put it in as.

ill get a pic though

**Bert** · 01-12-2012, 07:30

You don't always get a milky look.

blinkyvx · 01-13-2012, 12:19

ya tried a pic but to much sht in the way and cant get my camera there.
almost positive its where the block meets the header and it's leaking from where they meet

**Bert** · 01-13-2012, 14:22

That's an illogical position for a coolant leak. Has to be something above. The exhaust header hasn't any water in it. Get an inspection mirror to see where it might be from.

blinkyvx · 01-18-2012, 09:58

I meant Head not Header my mistake. So between the head and the block is where we see the leak. Unless it's above that and leaking down and we can't see it.

We used a inspection mirror to find it as well.

any idea what this [cracked head gasket] may cost to repair oneself. time for a novice and his dad to do.

blinkyvx · 01-18-2012, 13:19

took it in to get a oil change, two different places refused to change it because of the oil color and that because of the oil color I had a cracked head gasket.

This weird at all for them to say this?
I thought the oil looked normal as did my dad.