Hey everyone,

We purchased a used 2012 Ford Explorer XLT back in April 2013 (19000 km). We brought it into the dealership last month for its check-up and the mechanic found oil in the coolant reservoir. After a few flushes and us returning with the same problem, they replaced the water pump and a few hoses and told us the problem was fixed. The memo says that after the job was done, they flushed the coolant again, took it for a test drive and there was no oil in the coolant. As a result, they told us the problem was fixed. The very next day I go get some groceries and check under the hood. Once again, oil in the coolant reservoir. It is not much...maybe a few millimeters but still obviously present. We took it back to the dealership and they are claiming that it is simply the remnants of oil from the leaking water pump and that it will never completely go away no matter how many times they flush the system. They are adamant that they have rectified the problem and that the remnants will do no harm to the future of the vehicle/engine performance. My question is whether this is true and we should accept that the 2 year old vehicle will always have oil in the coolant system until all the remnants burn off or whatnot or are they trying to not fix a bigger problem like the head gasket. I want to believe them but I find it difficult to believe that this will not affect the engine down the road. Any input would be great.

Betali

 

Sounds like a head gasket to me.

 

I would love to hear their explanation of how oil can get into the cooling system via the water pump.

 

That stumped me too, but I don't work on late model vehicles.

 

Yeah I am not to sure how all the systems tie together. Most people say it's likely the head gasket or block. I picked it up yesterday and they told me not to bring it back until I've driven it for a good 500 km to see if the oil goes away or collects more. The guy was pretty adamant that there is no long term damage to the cooling system with oil being present. I hope it's fixed and they aren't trying to defer work on the head gasket. The vehicle is like 2 years old and 20000 km so kinda worries me.

 

As far as I know, what they told you is impossible. And I was a certified mechanic for years and am still a shadetree mechanic. Since the water pump contains no oil and is not connected via passage to the oil in the block (it is only connected to the cooling chambers in the block), a leak between the oil containing part of the block and the cooling part is the only way that you can get motor oil in the coolant. A leaking(blown) head gasket is the most common cause. Although it could be a cracked block or head. In my opinion, they are just trying to delay you until the warranty expires.

 

Tell them that you talked to a real mechanic and he told you that what they are saying is impossible. Then ask to talk to the zone agent. Ford has a rep that mediates warranty disputes between customers and dealers. And tell them that you want their decision in writing, in case you need to get an attorney. Have you tried another dealer? They are not all dishonest.

 

There are two other possible ways for oil to get into the cooling system. If the vehicle has an oil cooler, oil pressure is higher than cooling system pressure , when the engine is running and motor oil could get in there.
The other way is the auto trans cooler if they use the radiator to cool the trans fluid.
We would like to think the coolant would appear red, but when mixed with anti-freeze it just gets soupy looking.
Rusty said everything I was thinking about the dealership and the way your problem is being handled. It's a funny thing, but as soon as you mention attorneys, the climate seems to change and that may be a point to bring up. Not all dealerships engage in deception and the management may not even be aware of your problems there. What I would do is speak with the owner, and if they won't be cooperative, you might tell them they then can speak with your attorney.

 

And changing the water pump would not fix those.

 

bring it to a real ford dealer like mine. Their 126 warranty numbers are high and they dont want to add and engine to that report is why they are flushing and going.