missing coolant

[conrad]

I performed a tune up, changing all fluids, including coolant 300 miles ago. I assumed I bleed the system correctly. Recently on drives more than 10 miles (with A/C- I live in PHX) on the coolant level will drop and the light will come on. i end up adding a couple of cups to a quart depending on how long i drive.

The temp stays between 1/4 and 1/2 with outside air temps below 90f. The engine has a rough idle and hesitation but cruises great (23mpg) and accelerates fine after 1500rpm.

i replace plugs, wires, cap, rotor, clean throttle body, and cleaned idle control valve. i sprayed started fluid on all hoses (while idling) to check for vaccum leaks.

any help on coolant and rough idle? Fuel injectors? but what about coolant level dropping.

thanks

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

It could just be a faulty coolant level sender.. They can sometimes do this when they are about to go out. I'd try cleaning ti up a bit..

As for the idle, did you also replace the O2 sensor?

[conrad]

i checked the oil and now i see it is like a milk shake. i have been checking this daily, but not after the car has just been shut off.

it appears i have bigger problems.

any help on what to ask when i drive this to a shop?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

hmm...

If it looks like a milkshake, then there is coolant getting into the oil, which can mean a couple of things..

1. You have a blown head gasket
2. You have a cracked cylinder head
3. You have a cracked block

Best cas scenario is that merely the head gasket is blown, and you just replace it. Worst case is the block, hich means you'll need a new engine block.. The first thing you need to do is a compression check.. That will give you some indication of what the problem may be. Either, way, the cylinder head needs to be removed so you can diagnose what the problem is.

How good are you with tools? You can save quite a bit by removing the head yourself.