If I'm not mistaken, the only way for water to get in the oil, other than a cracked block, is through the head gasket. Is this correct? I have a '99 with 79.000 miles on her, she doesn't smoke, but I was going through anti-freeze pretty quickly. There is definitely water in the oil. So I've stopped driving her. She's a beautiful car, and want to get her back up and running asap. Any thoughts before I open her up. And if I do have to replace the head gasket, anyone have a list of other gaskets I'm gonna need? And, yes, I'm gonna get a chilton or haynes book to help me through this.


Thanks, Robert


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u didnt mention what eng, but im pretty sure its the 3.1. knowing that engine, ur head gaskets are probably fine. im willing to bet its ur intake manifold gasket. those go all the time on 3.1s. a new intake set will prob run u a lil more than a $100. oh and if u call around for prices, make sure to ask the difference between intake set vs buying, upper and lower int, valve cover, etc. separately

 

Hmmm... thats sounds alot better than what I was thinking. Thanks for the info, and I will write back and let you know how it went.

 

OK, I've replaced the intake gasket, and that seems to have taken care of the water in the oil. Everything went back together just fine, except now the car is idling very rough. I've checked all the hoses and vacuum lines. The seem to be attached correctly and securely. To me, it sounds like a air-fuel mixture problem to me. Just hoping I could get some input. Thanks, Robert

 

the coolant temp sensor is on the intake. is the harness plugged in all the way? any corrosion?

 

ok, here is the final post. I took it to a real mechanic and he said that the vacuum on the car was very poor. Long story short, Three of the rocker arms were loose and one pushrod became dislodged. Tore it all apart, put back together. Everything works great now. Thanks for all your help. Robert