# Coolant loss

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [March 6, 2009, 1:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353 "2009-03-06T13:27:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hammersam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9a140/32.png) [@hammersam](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hammersam)\
**Post date:** [March 6, 2009, 1:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353/1 "2009-03-06T13:27:03Z")

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The engine is a w code, iron block, alum heads, two valve. I have not noticed any increase in oil volume and the oil is not off color. Ihave changed the oil twice in 2 months and each time when the drain plug is loosened I get maybe 10 to 20 drops of green coolant. When this stops I continue to remove the drain plug and the dirty oil begins to flow as normal. There is however a light brown milky film under the oil filler cap. Any and all comments are much appriciated. Thanks again. Sam

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**Author:** ![willey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a9adbd/32.png) [@willey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/willey)\
**Post date:** [March 6, 2009, 1:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353/2 "2009-03-06T13:49:36Z")

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Need more info about the engine. Year,make, model, miles.

If I were to guess, there is a intake manifold leak.

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [March 6, 2009, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353/3 "2009-03-06T13:52:58Z")

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If it’s a GM motor, it sounds like an intake gasket leak. An independent mechanic or dealership should be able to confirm the diagnosis. Coolant in the oil is a very bad thing, the coolant displaces the oil on the bearing surfaces. Coolant is a lousy lubricant.

Ed B.

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**Author:** ![Beadsandbeads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Beadsandbeads](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beadsandbeads)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 3:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353/4 "2009-03-07T03:36:33Z")

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You can’t possibly get 10 or 20 drops of green coolant when you open the oil drain.

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**Author:** ![hammersam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9a140/32.png) [@hammersam](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hammersam)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 1:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353/5 "2009-03-07T13:57:43Z")

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mercury 4.6 v8 2002 mountaineer 103000 miles

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2009, 2:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-loss/27353/6 "2009-03-07T14:08:25Z")

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There are simple tests such as a pressure leakdown test to verify the cause. That test simply pressurizes each cylinder and checks to see if it holds the pressure. Failure to do so indicates a leak through the headgasket.

I’d recommend having this checked as soon as possible. This condition will cause further damage if unchecked.