So my mom chooses to use water instead of coolant even though I’ve told her plenty of times. So during the winter storm that happened in texas my mom told me that her car wouldn’t start and I told her that the water just froze and after everything was over I checked her car and the thermostat housing was broken and I saw that muddy looking water was leaking so I removed the thermostat and the housing and it turns out that the water and the oil mixed. Now what my question is if I should check it out and try to fix the problem myself or take it to an actual mechanic that has more equipment and experience than me? Also how much is it going to hurt my pockets?
What vehicle is this?
03 honda accord ex v6 coupe
Isn’t when the only way oil and coolant (water in this situation) can mix is when the head gasket is blown?
It depends on what happened in the engine block. If ice formed inside the block . . . Well, you have a sense of the possibilities.
Given she was running the radiator on water, perhaps for years, I wouldn't be optimistic.
Since water froze and cracked t-stat housing then more than likely also cracked the block, then no bueno. replacement motor is forthcoming if you choose to go that route.
