2006 Ford Focus Coolant in Engine Oil (mistakenly put there

MARC0387

MEMBER
2006 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
73,000 MILES

Hello, I was looking at your site and it has a lot of great info. Any info you can give on this issue would be much appreciated.

As far as I can tell, coolant was mistakenly added to the cars engine oil instead of the coolant reservoir. And now, as you know, the car will not start.

I don't know exactly what would need to be done but I am guessing it would be something like this:

1. Drain oil/coolant combo from car
2. Flush out engine (don't know if this is something that can be done from home or if I would need to go to repair shop)
3. Replace engine oil

I am sure there is more envolved than what I just said but am I at least on the right track here?

1 Reply

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Ok, first off just because coolant was mistakenly put into the oil won't create a NO Start Problem.

About how much was put in the oil?

Yes you should change Oil and Filter.

However, If you are not 100% sure that coolant was put in by mistake I would pull all the plugs one at a time and take a good look at them. Do any of them look like they have coolant on them? If so then you very well may have a blown head gasket.

And with the presents of a no start problem it is a good change you have a blown head gasket.

So if you can take a look at the plugs and post finding, if not sure and you can take pics and post. Close up on the electrode end.

You can also check for spark at the plugs by removing a plug wire placing a philips screw driver in the end and placing it near a good ground. Then have someone try starting the car. The spark should be a bright bluish/white.

.