Engine runs and stops abruptly

GEORGES OTIENO

MEMBER
2010 NISSAN TEANA
2.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hello,
My vehicle got into an accident but the engine was functioning and the dashboard indicated that everything was okay. However, on taking it back to the road, I drove it slightly then it suddenly stopped. On proper checking, I found that the radiator water pipe was broken and there was no water in the radiator. It was then towed to the garage and the radiator fixed. On checking the oil, it was already mixed with water. This was replaced but still it could not start. The cylinder gasket was then replaced and once again the engine was up running. However, during road test, the engine could stop abruptly on slightly sloppy terrain. On checking the oil, we could see that it is mixed with water. What could be the cause of this and how can it be solved?

4 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

Hello,

This sounds like you have a cracked head or block when the engine overheated originally. Did they check the cylinder head for cracks when the head gasket was done?

Here is a guide that should help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolantantifreeze-in-the-engine-oil

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, December 26th, 2017 AT 2:39 PM

PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO

MECHANIC
1,853 POSTS

First of all, you should not be running plain water in the cooling system, water boils at 212 degrees F but coolant mixed with water raises the boiling point, so does pressure on the cooling system from a good radiator cap.
When you first found the water in the oil, did you drain the oil and empty the oil filter and add all new oil?
Remove all the spark plugs and see which one if any has the coolant or water on it and see if it was on the same cylinder that the head gasket blew before.
Where was the break in the old head gasket, on which cylinder or was it blown between the oil return hole and coolant passage?
If it is coming from the same place, I agree with Ken, either something is cracked, or the head warped, etc.

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Tuesday, December 26th, 2017 AT 2:45 PM

GEORGES OTIENO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello,
Thank you for this wonderful replies. I really appreciate. Just to report that some refacing was done on the cylinder head before fitting the new gaskets. Its a v -shaped engine with six cylinders (V6). Both the head gaskets were blown but am not sure whether the mechanic actually checked the blowing occurred in which cylinders. The oil was drained but am not sure if the oil filter was replaced. Sorry to say that the vehicle was also tested on pure water for cooling though it initially had a coolant that was yet to be fixed. Could the absence of the coolant have any effect? The mechanic further suspects warping of the engine block. Its an aluminium based engine. And is suggesting refacing of the same. What effect will this have on the performance of the engine? I will get back to you with detailed information after a further scrutiny to provide answered to the questions raised by you expertise. Thanks once again

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Tuesday, December 26th, 2017 AT 3:32 PM

PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO

MECHANIC
1,853 POSTS

They should have checked the top of the block for warpage when they did the head gaskets.
You could also have a crack in a cylinder and the coolant jacket isn't that far away from the cylinders.
I think you should at least remove all the spark plugs and see if there is any water on any of them, if not then the water isn't coming into a cylinder, it then would have to be somewhere else.

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Tuesday, December 26th, 2017 AT 3:38 PM