Coolant leak

Tiny
KATIE_IS_REBEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD ESCORT
  • 2.0L
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 184,386 MILES
I walked out to my car on my work break and noticed a huge puddle running out from underneath my car which I assumed initially was water, but then it seems as though part of it was oil as well. I could not spot anything with the hood up looking looking down into the engine compartment, but when I crawled up underneath as far as I could anyway and there was definitely something dripping and I could swear that I saw a greenish tint to the droplets. So naturally I unscrewed the radiator cap to discover that a lot of water was no longer in the radiator like there should have been, which would make me think of water pump right off the bat. However, there was not that much water. I know how much water comes out when the water pump goes and it was nowhere near that much. So anyways after work I drove to the gas station and filled the radiator with water. My next move was to check my oil level and when I pulled the dipstick out of the engine I noticed that there was some little itty bitty tiny bubbles. Not a lot and not foamy either, just a couple of bubbles here and there usually in groups of three or four. I wiped the stick off and checked it again just to find the same thing. I have dealt with blown head gaskets before and this does not to me at least appear to be that issue. The oil itself is not milky and the water in the radiator does not appear to be oily. But it definitely looks like it could use a flush that is for sure! So anyways what I am asking is whether or not those bubbles are an indication of a blown head gasket and if not, what type of issue does it point to?

Thank you in advance for any help and advice.
Thursday, August 17th, 2017 AT 7:54 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

The small bubbles you are seeing is normal. I would think you are closer to the problem with the water pump being out.

Here are a few guides to help you confirm the problem and get it fixed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, August 17th, 2017 AT 4:00 PM

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