Oil in coolant problem
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
Yup... I remember the S2000s blowing a few engines for a little while when they first came out. Granted its a much more complicated and highly strained engine than in the MC, still even japanese cars have engine problems sometimes. From what I can tell (and this is just my experience) Americans make some pretty bomb proof engines. The reliability falls short in other areas much more than the engines.
If the issue is a blown gasket, I think its just bad luck. There are 1000s of MCSs running around with aftermarket pulleys and I don't think I have heard of any blown engines so far. (MC does run higher compression though).
If the issue is a blown gasket, I think its just bad luck. There are 1000s of MCSs running around with aftermarket pulleys and I don't think I have heard of any blown engines so far. (MC does run higher compression though).
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
Not necessarily. The fact that your coolant recovery tank was bone dry could indicate that the engine was operated without enough coolant sufficiently long for the block to crack. I don't know if these cars have a low coolant level sensor or not (to warn that the coolant level is low). But even if they did (have a low coolant level sensor) and the sensor failed, you could have had the coolant level get progressively lower and lower until the head gasket blew and with continued operation, the block cracked. If your head gasket is blown, you have had something happen. The path from blown head gasket to cracked block is pretty short.
I don't want to sound pedantic, but I have never been one to completely trust electronic sensors. Which is why at each fill-up, I visually check the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels.
I don't want to sound pedantic, but I have never been one to completely trust electronic sensors. Which is why at each fill-up, I visually check the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels.
I am not saying its impossible that the block is cracked, I am just saying its not very likely. Still, I will ask Eric to closely inspect the block as well, better safe than sorry. (Knowing him, he probably has this covered already)
I am not saying that the block can't possibly be cracked or the head isn't warped. I am just saying that given the way I drive and how often I check
You'll know soon!
And the block is pretty robust. As for the sediment in the overflow tank, that's not an issue. One of the reasons it has baffles is so that dusty stuff can settle out there. Every tank I've looked at has had some.
The oily stuff is still a problem...
Matt
PS, I lost a head gasket and overheated. Both the head and the block were fine.....
The oily stuff is still a problem...
Matt
PS, I lost a head gasket and overheated. Both the head and the block were fine.....
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 271
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Update
Eric and I decided to flush the cooling system and run the car for a few 100 miles to see if more oil leaks into the coolant. It has now been 100 miles of semi-spirited driving and the coolant tank is super clean, not a hint of "milk" or browning. It is a little bit below the MIN tick mark that I don't think it is leaking, the guys at Helix probably accidentaly put a little less coolant in than they intended to.
I'll keep a very close eye on the coolant consistence, color and levels for the next 500 miles or so. If I don't see any changes, we will call the problem "fixed" and move on. I'll post another update in a few days.
I'll keep a very close eye on the coolant consistence, color and levels for the next 500 miles or so. If I don't see any changes, we will call the problem "fixed" and move on. I'll post another update in a few days.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 648
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Best of luck with it
Eric and I decided to flush the cooling system and run the car for a few 100 miles to see if more oil leaks into the coolant. It has now been 100 miles of semi-spirited driving and the coolant tank is super clean, not a hint of "milk" or browning. It is a little bit below the MIN tick mark that I don't think it is leaking, the guys at Helix probably accidentaly put a little less coolant in than they intended to.
I'll keep a very close eye on the coolant consistence, color and levels for the next 500 miles or so. If I don't see any changes, we will call the problem "fixed" and move on. I'll post another update in a few days.
I'll keep a very close eye on the coolant consistence, color and levels for the next 500 miles or so. If I don't see any changes, we will call the problem "fixed" and move on. I'll post another update in a few days.
I hope all is well Vano...hope you also got my PM.
BTW: this is the first auto (now sold) that I ever saw sediment in the coolant tank...of course i always changed coolant at every 2 yr intervals on my other autos...Blah to the Mini extended service BS. Do they care if you blow it up after the warrantee is over...NOT...God do those guys need a few class action suits....Defects or quirks...latent defects too! I decided to get rid of mine BEFORE anything major happened...When the PS fan siezed, I made up my mind since had i not seen it when winterizing, things could have gotten really ugly this summer...Must admit I miss my ex MCS!
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