For the past 6 months my '95 TS V6 (174,000 k's) has been losing coolant through the exhaust due to either a blown head gasket, crack or something else (replaced radiator). This week the coolant has now entered into the motor, and I now have foamy white stuff under oil cap, and traces under front rocker cover. Water droplets and some small rust spots on the oil dip stick.

The engine is not missing and still runs well. The question is: providing I keep the cooling system topped up, how long can I continue driving the car in this condition before anything serious happens that could effect my safety or anyone else on the road?

Reading previous topics on the subject I would be looking at around $3,000 to get engine repaired, which is what my mechanic told me. I don't have the know how, tools or premises to do any DYI so to reduce cost. The car is not is insured for that amount if repair cost is $3,000.

if there is already water in the oil
the bearings will not be lubricated properly

look at a motor from a wrecker or one off a forum member

the long term
coolant will enter the cylinders and the pistons
wont be able to push the water out and fire the plugs
so will just grind to a halt

if there is already water in the oil
the bearings will not be lubricated properly

look at a motor from a wrecker or one off a forum member

the long term
coolant will enter the cylinders and the pistons
wont be able to push the water out and fire the plugs
so will just grind to a halt

I'm assuming water is in the oil, as there are small water droplets on the bottom of the dip stick when it is removed.

Magna buff, thanks for your comments on my question. The reason I ask about the time frame for continuing to drive it, is so I can look around for another vehicle. And I must say, it won't be a Mistusbishi.

ozz, theres nothing wrong with a mitsubishi mate, my tr i not long bought back from a mate has been abused for the last 2 years ( severly abused) but she took took it well, and is now being rewarded for keeping up now i own it again :D

as mentioned a wrecker is the cheapest option, my local wrecker is shocking on prices cause he is the only wrecker for quite a while and for a ts engine the replacement price from him was 550.00 and a mechanic will charge around the 600.00 mark to fit it if you dont have the ability to do it yourself

you stated it has been leaking for the last 6months, but didnt mention if you had done any work to try and correct the problem befor eit turned serious ... just saying

95ts, I've had this car since Nov 2003 (2nd owner), and so far I have spent $10,939 on it, not counting normal servicing or tune-ups. The radiator was replaced in Sept last year as it was partially blocked (not overheating).

Just after the new year I began using about 500 ml of coolant in a week. Pressure test was done which showed no leaks and there was no signs of water in the oil. The past 3 months, the water loss increased to about 500 ml every 4 days. now it is every 2 days. As mentioned in original post, in the past week, water is now in the oil. The only paint work that is not crap are the door and fender panels.

I've owned 7 cars (only 1 mitsubishi) in 40 years of driving and I have never needed to spend that amount of money on a car that has only done 174,000 k's (I've only put 58,000 on myself) is rediculous. It's insured for $2800, but I'm sure if they viewed the car it would be lucky to be insured. That is why there will be no more investment put into it.

I appreciate your comments 95ts.

mate, you musnt have bought a very good 2nd hand car if thats the kind of problems your seeing at those kms... search for head gasket issues on the forum.. you will find bugger all threads because it is NOT a common problem at all.. in fact its rarely heard of in the 6 cyl models... especially with only 170kms on the clock...

"The only paint work that is not crap are the door and fender panels. "

sounds like you bought a car that wasnt very well cared for at all.. what exactly would you expect from such a car?

Agree 100% with gremlin

Also, don't go basing your whole opinion of mitsubishi's (especially 3rd gens now SUCH good value for money) off your, OLD, mistreated one.

$10K...what did you spend it on if the motor is rooted? Jesus I would of stopped after $3,000.

Engine change won't set you back more then $1,000 at max. I'd cut your losses and trade it in on a 3rd gen. change the oil right before you go to trade it in though ;)

motor from the wreckers is $500 give or take and if the mechanic is keen it'll take a day.