Coolant leaking from muffler?

[jstarkore]

She's out of comission.

Hey, new member, Josh. My 93 XLT was overheating big time. So I flushed the radiator, changed the cap and changed the thermostat. When I was refilling the radiator, I noticed the level wasn't really rising like it should. My wife told me she saw a large leak near the rear of the truck. I'm thinking 'how could that be?', but climbed under and found water and coolant mix leaking from the muffler. The exhaust hanger on the back of the muffler had busted off leaving a hole in the muffler. Water and coolant leaking out of it severely. When I tried to start it, the motor will turn, but won't kick over. Can I save it? Am I an engine killer somehow?

 

[jimbo74]

um... head gasket or blown block/head.......


i have never heard of coolant straight leaking out of an exhause...


condesnsation is one thing, but there is no coolant in the exhuast unless your truck is straight trashed!

 

[shamaal]

STOP what you're doing!

From your description it sounds like you have a bad head gasket, this can happen when the engine overheats. From your symptons you are leaking coolant into the cylinder, this is pushed out the cylinder, into the exhaust manifold and then into the muffler. Alternately the water is leaking through the gasket and traveling down the exhaust system to the muffler.

Fluids cannot be compressed. If there is sufficient coolant in the cylinder and enough bad luck a connecting rod can be bent/broken.

Look for oil (rainbow water) in your coolant or water in your oil. Pull your plugs and look for water on the ends. Stick something long through the hole and look for water on top of the piston. Only turn your engine over with all the plugs removed until you find the leak.

Head gaskets can be replaced by the DIY, get a manual and do a search on head replacement in the forums, ask questions. A gasket set costs $120 with few special tools required. Be prepared once the head is removed for it to be cracked. ($300 each)

 

[jrgaylor]

Sounds like a blown head gasket or cracked head

 

[dogfriend]

Most likely a blown head gasket.

I just had this happen with my Toyota truck and I had coolent leaking from the joint just before the cat. When I pulled the head off, it was obvious that the 1st cylinder was burning water (it removed all of the carbon off the piston).

 

[jstarkore]

Thanks, but one more question.

I pulled the plugs before work this morning. Definitely water in the heads. My question is, if it is a bad head gasket, would it be safe to just replace it and go, or would internal rust or hydrolock or any of that scary stuff be an issue? I'm trying to decide if I should replace or repair my current engine. Thanks for the help, I honestly wasn't expecting a response mere hours after my post. You guys are great!

 

[shamaal]

My opinion:
If the engine was well behaved prior to the incident I would pull the heads, sop up the water, turn the crank by hand and look for abnormal movement. From your description it sounded like there is a substantial leak, otherwise I wouldn't worry about anything bent. Spray WD40 into cylinders and mating surfaces. Inspect the block, I've heard of them cracking but is unlikely. High on the list of possibilities is a cracked head(s). If you do not see any cracks (do a search), I would recommend bringing them to a shop for cleaning and rebuild. Both of mine had cracks and I paid $259 each to replace.
If all is well, then I would buy the head gasket kit ($134). Of course you will need to change the oil, after you're through. I have no experience with internal rust, I would wipe down the cylinders and block mating surfaces with WD40 and crocus cloth any stubborn spot. More experienced rebuilders may have different opinions.
Keep in touch and ask questions.

 

[jstarkore]

Alright, started tearing it apart today using a Chilton's. I got the upper intake manifold, alternator, ac compressor, dis pack, and the lh valve cover off before darkness forced me to stop. Everything's going smoothly so far, although I should go get some deep sockets instead of barely getting by with regulars. I'll keep you posted as I continue. However, it may not be until next weekend. Work and all. See ya.

 

[shamaal]

Get some PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench and start soaking the exhaust manifold bolts. Those were the worst to remove in my experience.

 

[leadfoot55]

change the lifters if yiou can afford it as you cant change them with the heads on!

 

[DryDog]

My 91 had the same thing at 160K, coolant out the tail pipe. Found 2 cracks in one head but replaced them both. I got my heads from Clearwater Cylinder Head for a couple hundred ea. They are new castings complete with valves. I could not believe the power. Like a new truck! I might be the only one but, about 20K miles later one of my valve seals started leaking.

On mine the coolant also took out the oxygen sensor.

 

[jstarkore]

That's funny, I have 166k on mine now. I guess it's about that time. Also,I didn't even think about the o2 sensor. I'll probably be gettin' one of those too. Seeya.

 

[dogfriend]

On mine the coolant also took out the oxygen sensor.

Yep, unfortunately coolent will contaminate the ZrO2 inside the oxygen sensor. I haven't tested the one on my Toyota but I won't be surprized if it is dead.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1396666&postcount=22

The complete thread is very good if you are curious about how O2 sensors work: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149917&page=1&pp=20

 

[Brandon Atkinson]

She's out of comission.

Hey, new member, Josh. My 93 XLT was overheating big time. So I flushed the radiator, changed the cap and changed the thermostat. When I was refilling the radiator, I noticed the level wasn't really rising like it should. My wife told me she saw a large leak near the rear of the truck. I'm thinking 'how could that be?', but climbed under and found water and coolant mix leaking from the muffler. The exhaust hanger on the back of the muffler had busted off leaving a hole in the muffler. Water and coolant leaking out of it severely. When I tried to start it, the motor will turn, but won't kick over. Can I save it? Am I an engine killer somehow?

I am having the same exact problem with my 98 ranger 3.0. Ran hot, temp gauge never moved, shut off, refilled with coolant and didn't want to start back up. When it did fire up it's pouring white smoke from tailpipe. Cut it off, and now without firing it up, water is pouring from hole in muffler. Pulled oil drain plug and about a half gallon of water poured out. #4 Cylinder has broken ground electrode and won't even begin to start up. Possible causes?