Overfull oil, power locks more

[arcblue]

I haven't driven my X for three days and thought I'd check the oil tonight before I head out w/ it tomorrow. I noticed the coolant overflow tank was almost empty. I added coolant first, and noticed there were no leaks under the car, which puzzled me. I had changed oil and filter about a month ago (using Mobil 1 synthetic as I have for some time) but when I checked it, the level is well past the full mark on the dipstick and kind of a dark bronzy-green color. At last oil check about a week ago, everything was at normal levels.

I changed the IAC module about a month before that due to high idle speeds, but my X has developed an unsteady idle with kind of a 'miss'. I also changed the temp sensor (thanks to this board) recently as the gauge has always read on the cold side. Now it usually goes up to the middle of the normal range, and sometimes even slightly higher.

Are these symptoms of a blown head gasket? I haven't noticed any steam, overheating or white exhaust, and power seems normal. If I need a new head gasket, how much does it usually cost to replace these (i.e parts and # of shop hours)?

Also, my power locks work only intermittently, and I can't figure out where the circuit is broken. The driver's side power lock switch will stop working, but the passenger side one will UNLOCK but not lock. Suddenly everything works again for one or two cycles, particularly if I lock all the doors manually and then try the switch.

Thanks for any advice. My X was 99% reliable for years, and now every month there's a new problem, but at least I found this forum!

-AC
'92 Ford Explorer XLT "Dora"
'76 Mercedes 240D "Katja"

 

[snoborder42]

As for your oil. It definetly has coolant in it if it is the color that you are describing. It may not be the head gaskets. It may be the lower intake gaskets. Happened on my Mom's ex. Coolant would magicly dissappear. I think it cost around $800 to get those replaced by the stealership and I think it was less than $200 for parts, the rest was labor. Just to give you an idea and as far as I know, the headgaskets will probably cost more.

 

[arcblue]

Thanks. The lower intake gasket makes sense. When I was coming home Sunday, the last time I used the car, I remember I was puzzled by a sound I hadn't heard before - not too noticeable, but sounded like air rushing in or out from the lower part of the engine.

-AC
'92 XLT

 

[alexefron]

it could well be the lower intake gasket. I'd go with that first as it is a lot easier, and a lot cheaper (I think the gasket itself is only around $10). A bad intake gasket would cause a rough idle, and a lot of extra fluid in the crankcase wouldn't help

Also, if its an automatic trans there is some line (i cant remember which one) that can become clogged and dump extra fluids into the crankcase.

As for the locks i'd try lubricating them and turning them with the key a number of times. Since you said they work sometimes after you manually lock and unlock them it may just be a lubrication issue. If not it is probably electrical, and if you care enough you should find a wiring diagram and try to chase each wire down and make sure they're all ok, because it sounds like there might be a small break that comes and goes.

 

[91n93explorer]

Whether of not it's your intake gaskets or head, might be a good idea to do them all while it's apart. Advance Auto (www.advanceautoparts.com) Sells a full kit for 112.00, Which is the cheapest I've found, and you get everything but the pan gaskets. As For the door locks, remember the drivers is the master, everything goes thru it. if there is a problem with more than one door, chances are it's the master. otherwise, just one door would mess up, the chances of more than one going at the same time are slim to none.

Goodluck!!