Head gasket

[Steve8989]

Got an oil change, milkshake in bottom of passenger catch can. Bubbles at the top of the coolant tank now. Also about 3 weeks ago had a cold start that puffed out thick white smoke but hasn't done since and no sweet smell from exhaust.
FBO/ straight e85 cat-less.
Am I fucked? If so how much for head gasket replacement/repair. How hard is it to do it yourself ?

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[Skye]

I'd follow-up with a compression test and/or oil analysis before any disassembly.

You mentioned the milkshake in the catch can, but the oil change appeared OK? What you saw in the can could be a result of Winter condensation.

While you did see white smoke from the exhaust, I'd expect you to see it more than once in a few weeks.

I cannot explain the bubbles in the overflow tank, but it reads like you're not adding coolant, the engine is not overheating.

You might have caught a gasket failure early on, yes. A compression test with a review of the spark plugs could help confirm what's going on.

An additional test to consider is an oil analysis from Blackstone or other vendor. You can request a test kit (free) today and have it mailed to you. IDK what the proper amount of mileage would be, seeing you just changed the oil. 500 mi/800 km? Get some miles on the oil, take a sample and send it in. Results take about two weeks. You'll get the report via e-mail.

In the mean time, keep a log of any observations, to help trend out or document tells of a problem.

 

[Steve8989]

I'd follow-up with a compression test and/or oil analysis before any disassembly.

You mentioned the milkshake in the catch can, but the oil change appeared OK? What you saw in the can could be a result of Winter condensation.

While you did see white smoke from the exhaust, I'd expect you to see it more than once in a few weeks.

I cannot explain the bubbles in the overflow tank, but it reads like you're not adding coolant, the engine is not overheating.

You might have caught a gasket failure early on, yes. A compression test with a review of the spark plugs could help confirm what's going on.

An additional test to consider is an oil analysis from Blackstone or other vendor. You can request a test kit (free) today and have it mailed to you. IDK what the proper amount of mileage would be, seeing you just changed the oil. 500 mi/800 km? Get some miles on the oil, take a sample and send it in. Results take about two weeks. You'll get the report via e-mail.

In the mean time, keep a log of any observations, to help trend out or document tells of a problem.

10-4 and ty, oil gets changed every 3k car has 77,728 miles 2016 gt. No over heating , topped coolant off this last time but barely added any, and first time topping off in a long time.

 

[Skye]

If tests determine a leaking head gasket is the problem, take solace you caught it early, most likely before any significant damage occurred.

 

[Steve8989]

Also if anyone knows an honest/good shop around 46307 barring Ford dealership only as a last resort. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Adam the Lighting Guy]

Also, if a compression test is being run, I would think a coolant system pressure test is in order.

 

[ORRadtech]

If a headgasket failure is suspected you want a leak down test not a compression test. That's the definitive test for a headgasket leak. Sometimes you can pull the plugs and, using a borescope, see evidence of coolant in a cylinder. Things like very clean pulg porcelain, piston tops that appear steam cleaned, coolant tracks or drips on piston walls or coolant pooling on top of the piston. A borescope in conjunction with a coolant system pressure test may make it easier to see coolant intrusion in a cylinder.
But the leak down test will tell the tale even if the leak isn't into a coolant passage.

 

[CrazyHippie]

Have the anti-freeze tested for the presence of hydrocarbons. Any good mechanic can do this very easily and its quick and non-invasive.

 

[ORRadtech]

Have the anti-freeze tested for the presence of hydrocarbons. Any good mechanic can do this very easily and its quick and non-invasive.

Good point. You can even DIY it. Probably for less than a trip to the mechanic too.

 

[Steve8989]

If tests determine a leaking head gasket is the problem, take solace you caught it early, most likely before any significant damage occurred.

Head gasket replacement is a hell of a lot less than a new engine

 

[TonyT930]

Got an oil change, milkshake in bottom of passenger catch can. Bubbles at the top of the coolant tank now. Also about 3 weeks ago had a cold start that puffed out thick white smoke but hasn't done since and no sweet smell from exhaust.
FBO/ straight e85 cat-less.
Am I fucked? If so how much for head gasket replacement/repair. How hard is it to do it yourself ?

Was you catch can full at the time of the puff of smoke?

 

[Steve8989]

Like 3/4maybe little more full

 

[horsepower addiction]

A leak down test is definitely the best test for a head gasket. Head gasket repair on a Coyote easily hit 3k

 

[CrazyHippie]

Like 3/4maybe little more full

That's too full. I'd definitely empty it more often. Did your antifreeze test positive for hydrocarbons?

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