gearhead0777

As of late, at my parking spot at school, there is a new substance appearing under neath my truck. Its almost beautiful, metallic gold colored that shines in the sun. As pretty as it is, Im assuming its bad, considering I leak oil like a sieve and theres a mysterious coolant disappearance(?), and the coolan in the oil system, thing, ANYWAY!, I was wondering if anyone has any idea what this new found glory may be? I'll take a pic if I can remember to take my camera to school.

dewman

The only thing gold colored I can think of is motor oil, before it has been inside the engine. Transmission fluid is red, as is power steering fluid. Antifreeze/coolant is neon green. Old, used motor oil is usually blackish.

About where under you truck is this substance coming from?
And pics would be helpful, perhaps.

gearhead0777

Its towards the front of the engine bay somewhere. The engine oil im currently using is blue, so I dont think thats it.

tonkatruck66

i got this same thing the other day when i opened my overflow tank and put some antifreeze in it. only once though. it was PREETTTTTTYYYY

dewman

gearhead0777

Eh... its going to the mechanic... now new question.. if it turns out to be a headgasket, with an engine of this age would it be wise to go ahead and have the engine rebuilt?

wde3477

Hmm, tough question - so many variables. My suggestion is that if the head gasket has to be done, that offers the opportunity to make the call based on what is seen.

Mine has leaked badly out the rear main since I can't remember when. Regular changing of the drip board in the driveway has been much cheaper than fixing the problem, IMO. Oil is still relatively cheap as compared to rebuilding, or hoping that only a new seal will correct the issue.

I suggest that a 5.0L that has been regularly maintained should be capable of 250K miles. With only 120K on your engine, there should be lots of miles left, unless there is some other consideration. The challenge is that it only takes one event to screw up the otherwise long expected lifespan.

gearhead0777

Alright thanks guys, I will be sure to talk to the mechanic about it and see what is opinion is.

gearhead0777

blah. Not a headgasket. Just essentially every other gasket. The blowby I have is caused by my valve covers being "clogged up" is what the mech said, although he doesnt yet have an answer for the coolant in the oil. I will be interregating him tomorrow, I havnt gotten to talk to him yet, only a message.

wde3477

Not sure what exact color you're seeing - but I bought a gallon of 'Prime' brand antifreeze - some of the bargain stuff. When pouring the mix into the overflow reservoir, was surprised that it was golden yellow, not green. Stuff says its for all older engines. Hmmmm. *scratching head*