I Need Advice About My Car ( Archived) (34)

Sep 17, 2020 12:01 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
secretagent09
secretagent09secretagent09New Jersey Girl in, North Carolina USA198 Threads 4 Polls 7,230 Posts
I have an engine oil leak. My driveway is a mess from the leak. I took my car to a mechanic that I've been to before and he said I need a new radiator that will cost $461. He also said the sealer around the oil pan is leaking and that will be another $461. That sounds suspicious to me.

I was told I can let the oil pan leak go for now but I should get a new radiator because there might be a crack in the radiator and it could burst open at high speed. I also read that leaking oil could cause a fire.

I remember many many years ago someone telling me about Stop the Leak that you pour it into the radiator and it seals the leak. I'm wondering if any CS member knows anything about Stop the Leak.

On a scale of 1 to 100 I know zero about cars. I think the mechanic said there are two compartments in the radiator. If I use Stop the Leak do I just open the radiator cap and pour it in?

Even though I know zilch about cars I'm sure that Stop the Leak shouldn't mix with the cooling system liquid. So how do I know where to pour it in?

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.


Embedded image from another site
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Sep 17, 2020 12:19 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
galrads
galradsgalradsDublin, Ohio USA2,264 Threads 279 Polls 36,283 Posts
secretagent09: I have an engine oil leak. My driveway is a mess from the leak. I took my car to a mechanic that I've been to before and he said I need a new radiator that will cost $461. He also said the sealer around the oil pan is leaking and that will be another $461. That sounds suspicious to me.

I was told I can let the oil pan leak go for now but I should get a new radiator because there might be a crack in the radiator and it could burst open at high speed. I also read that leaking oil could cause a fire.

I remember many many years ago someone telling me about Stop the Leak that you pour it into the radiator and it seals the leak. I'm wondering if any CS member knows anything about Stop the Leak.

On a scale of 1 to 100 I know zero about cars. I think the mechanic said there are two compartments in the radiator. If I use Stop the Leak do I just open the radiator cap and pour it in?

Even though I know zilch about cars I'm sure that Stop the Leak shouldn't mix with the cooling system liquid. So how do I know where to pour it in?

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.


Would it be easier to trade in yiur car for a new one? I hope someone replies with something helpful M. I’m sure colonel bacon will be along with a helpful dissertation on this situation.


wave
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Sep 17, 2020 12:25 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
You can tell if it's an engine oil or radiator leak usually by the smell and color of the liquid or the location of the droppings on the driveway... if both are leaking there would normally be two different spots. Sometimes you can also feel or see oil in the tailpipe related to engine problems. Did any lights come on... make sure something isn't loose or a tube is cracked or split normally at the clamp. Fusions are susceptible to leaks and transmission problems. Lots of engines leak... depends how much? Sealants are only temporary and the radiator would be first if it needs to be fixed and yet depending on how maintained the rest of the car is. Also, while you're at it check power steering leakage on the front right side on the pavement. Get a free estimate at another location if you are suspicious.
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Sep 17, 2020 12:25 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
galrads: Would it be easier to trade in yiur car for a new one? I hope someone replies with something helpful M. I’m sure colonel bacon will be along with a helpful dissertation on this situation.
laugh cheers head banger
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Sep 17, 2020 12:26 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
gonelikethewimd
gonelikethewimdgonelikethewimdOsprey, Florida USA3,318 Posts
That was quick...laugh
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Sep 17, 2020 12:38 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
Dedovix
DedovixDedovixBig Place, Central Serbia Serbia12 Threads 1 Polls 5,492 Posts
secretagent09: I have an engine oil leak. My driveway is a mess from the leak. I took my car to a mechanic that I've been to before and he said I need a new radiator that will cost $461. He also said the sealer around the oil pan is leaking and that will be another $461. That sounds suspicious to me.

I was told I can let the oil pan leak go for now but I should get a new radiator because there might be a crack in the radiator and it could burst open at high speed. I also read that leaking oil could cause a fire.

I remember many many years ago someone telling me about Stop the Leak that you pour it into the radiator and it seals the leak. I'm wondering if any CS member knows anything about Stop the Leak.

On a scale of 1 to 100 I know zero about cars. I think the mechanic said there are two compartments in the radiator. If I use Stop the Leak do I just open the radiator cap and pour it in?

Even though I know zilch about cars I'm sure that Stop the Leak shouldn't mix with the cooling system liquid. So how do I know where to pour it in?

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
dont put any seal liquid in your radiator
go to a different mechanic
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Sep 17, 2020 12:41 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
secretagent09
secretagent09secretagent09New Jersey Girl in, North Carolina USA198 Threads 4 Polls 7,230 Posts
galrads: Would it be easier to trade in yiur car for a new one? I hope someone replies with something helpful M. I’m sure colonel bacon will be along with a helpful dissertation on this situation.
Yep, sure would be easier to trade it in. It's a 2007 with only 78,000 miles on it. Only been driven by little 'ol lady to the grocery store laugh

I'm poor Gal. Can afford a new car.

Thank you General for you advice.
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Sep 17, 2020 12:43 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
No problem... I'm just being loveable this week. laugh
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Sep 17, 2020 12:43 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
secretagent09
secretagent09secretagent09New Jersey Girl in, North Carolina USA198 Threads 4 Polls 7,230 Posts
Dedovix: dont put any seal liquid in your radiator
go to a different mechanic
That's what my son in law said. He recommended a mechanic. I have yet to go there because no matter what they say it will cost I'm not in a position right now to put big money out on my car.

Once I get the oil leak stopped then I have to find something that will clean a huge spot in the drieway where the oil leaks.
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Sep 17, 2020 12:48 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
secretagent09
secretagent09secretagent09New Jersey Girl in, North Carolina USA198 Threads 4 Polls 7,230 Posts
GeneralBeacon: You can tell if it's an engine oil or radiator leak usually by the smell and color of the liquid or the location of the droppings on the driveway... if both are leaking there would normally be two different spots. Sometimes you can also feel or see oil in the tailpipe related to engine problems. Did any lights come on... make sure something isn't loose or a tube is cracked or split normally at the clamp. Fusions are susceptible to leaks and transmission problems. Lots of engines leak... depends how much? Sealants are only temporary and the radiator would be first if it needs to be fixed and yet depending on how maintained the rest of the car is. Also, while you're at it check power steering leakage on the front right side on the pavement. Get a free estimate at another location if you are suspicious.
I forgot to mention that no lights came on. The oil is very dark.

My car is in good condition otherwise. I get the oil changed every 3,000 miles. I was told four years ago that I have an oil leak.

You are telling me to check a number of things. dunno dunno dunno dunno dunno

I'm gonna go to this other mechanic my son in law suggested. tip hat
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Sep 17, 2020 12:53 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
Yup, you can't fix a car online. rolling on the floor laughing

If the leak is 4 years with dark liquid it could mean a bigger problem at the top of the engine if there's leakage where the manifold bolts on or near spark plugs. Make sure you trust the guy and make him list the problem on the bill just in case. Good luck.
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Sep 17, 2020 12:58 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
secretagent09
secretagent09secretagent09New Jersey Girl in, North Carolina USA198 Threads 4 Polls 7,230 Posts
Thank you Boban, General and Gal.

My daughter wants me to give up the car and use Uber to get around. I think she is out of her mind. The cost is prohibitive. I should start playing the lottery so I can buy a new car and get the hell out of North Carolina and back to New Jersey.
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Sep 17, 2020 1:17 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
Not2seriously
Not2seriouslyNot2seriouslyle Marais Paris & SmallTown CO, Ile-de-France France6 Threads 184 Posts
I agree with General and Dedo, good advice. But I think mine covers the most common.
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Sep 17, 2020 1:18 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
Inthewoods
InthewoodsInthewoodsColorado Springs, Colorado USA9,896 Posts
They told you $461.00 each for the repairs? Stay away from the repair in a bottle, it's time to fix your car. How many miles are on your 2007 Fusion? Before you start putting money into it, you might consider a newer car... not new, just newer? Otherwise, get a second opinion, but to replace a oil pan gasket for $450.00 doesn't sound to bad, cheap part, lots of labor. Same for the radiator, the price is about right for a (New) radiator, be sure to get original type parts... I don't trust mechanics... While they have your radiator out, you should replace your water pump, and the upper and lower radiator hoses at the same time, How many miles on your car, and do you want to keep it come in to play...

Without knowing the mileage on your Ford Fusion, it sounds like it's time for some repairs, or a newer car...

Good luck... laugh
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Sep 17, 2020 1:19 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
Not2seriously
Not2seriouslyNot2seriouslyle Marais Paris & SmallTown CO, Ile-de-France France6 Threads 184 Posts
O yeah, oil darkens immediately. Not to worry. And modern oils are good for 5000 or more. Use a good filter every time. That would be Wix.
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Sep 17, 2020 1:22 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
If the oil is leaking from the head gasket with dark oil spilling out it may or may not be a bigger issue... not the oil pan. You need a specific answer in regards to what the problem is...4 years ago it would have been cheaper to fix. A large amount of oil has to come from someplace if you never fill the engine between changes and it fills the driveway once the engine is not running. Make sure there are no multiple problems and you get stuck with huge bills in the future. Scraping the car may be a good option... check online regarding problems regarding your year and model and you may get a few referrals if the engine is not knocking or dying.
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Sep 17, 2020 1:25 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
galrads
galradsgalradsDublin, Ohio USA2,264 Threads 279 Polls 36,283 Posts
secretagent09: Thank you Boban, General and Gal.

My daughter wants me to give up the car and use Uber to get around. I think she is out of her mind. The cost is prohibitive. I should start playing the lottery so I can buy a new car and get the hell out of North Carolina and back to New Jersey.
secretagent09: Thank you Boban, General and Gal.

My daughter wants me to give up the car and use Uber to get around. I think she is out of her mind. The cost is prohibitive. I should start playing the lottery so I can buy a new car and get the hell out of North Carolina and back to New Jersey.
Why not move to the midwest. The cost of living is better unless you’ve got a high maintenance boyfriend. grin
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Sep 17, 2020 1:26 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
thumbs up cheers
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Sep 17, 2020 1:27 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
GeneralBeacon
GeneralBeaconGeneralBeaconNew York, USA2,381 Posts
Inthewoods: They told you $461.00 each for the repairs? Stay away from the repair in a bottle, it's time to fix your car. How many miles are on your 2007 Fusion? Before you start putting money into it, you might consider a newer car... not new, just newer? Otherwise, get a second opinion, but to replace a oil pan gasket for $450.00 doesn't sound to bad, cheap part, lots of labor. Same for the radiator, the price is about right for a (New) radiator, be sure to get original type parts... I don't trust mechanics... While they have your radiator out, you should replace your water pump, and the upper and lower radiator hoses at the same time, How many miles on your car, and do you want to keep it come in to play...

Without knowing the mileage on your Ford Fusion, it sounds like it's time for some repairs, or a newer car...

Good luck...
laugh thumbs up cheers
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Sep 17, 2020 1:34 PM CST I Need Advice About My Car
Inthewoods
InthewoodsInthewoodsColorado Springs, Colorado USA9,896 Posts
I just read all the posts, if you only have 78,000 miles on it, I would fix it, I have 79,000 on my 1991 Toyota... it's just broke in... laugh


Finding someone you can trust is very important ... wave
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