Gas smell and gas in the water reservoir and in the oil

HTRAHAN4

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
198,876 MILES

My van has been smelling like gas and the hubby noticed there's gas in the water reservoir and in the oil. He noticed this when it wouldn't start. We jumped it then it finally started, but about 2 weeks before that I ran out of gas and it shut off in the middle of the road. Got it to the gas station, put gas still didn't start and his friend had to come jump start it after that it was good for the day.
Then when we went to start it again, nothing.
What does he do to fix the problem and what could've caused it? It has never ran hot and it looks nothing like when oil and water mix. What to do as this is our only vehicle, living on disability and have no savings. Plus afford a note either. Help!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not sure how it would have gotten into the coolant. However, it can get into the oil if the vehicle is flooded badly enough.

Okay, I'm questioning if the fuel pressure regulator may have failed and allowed too much pressure to the injectors. What we need to do is check fuel pressure and the regulator. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Follow the directions on this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If you look below, I attached the manufacturer's specification for pressure. This is where I would start. Also, since the vehicle ran out of fuel, there could be dirt in the fuel injectors causing it to leak fuel into the cylinders. But, let's first confirm fuel pressure.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)