So while doing an oil change on my car, my grandpa had the bright idea to stab the oil filter with a screwdriver, later when unscrewing the filter coolant came leaking out, is it possible he punctured an expensive part? or is it something that can be easily fixed?
1994 accord lx

 

Only things I can think of near the oil filter with coolant is the connecting pipe that goes between the water pump and thermostat housing. The connecting pipe part costs around $40 - $60 retail; if it is damaged it can replace, but it is a little difficult to remove. If it is just one of the hoses that connects to the connecting pipe, the smaller hose is round $7 - $10.

You'll just have to look to see what is actually leaking coolant.

 

I would not expect punching a hole in the oil filter would cause water enter the filter.

If coolant is coming from the oil filter, from inside of it, what is in the filter originates in the engine - that suggests to me there is coolant in the oil channels and sump of the engine. There should be no communication between the coolant channels and the oil channels. It could also mean there is oil in the cooing system. Coolant (water) and oil tend to make a frothy mixture which can show up in the radiator or in the oil such as on the dip stick. Kind of like dirty foam. A blown head gasket or a cracked head/block are two ways this can happen (the only ways I've experienced).

If this is the case it is bad for the engine and the possible causes are not trivial problems, nor easily quickly repaired. So this is the first thing I would rule out. Remove the radiator cap and look for oily gunk. Check the oil on the dip stick and if necessary the sump.

I'm probably missing something, but I can't think of any other likely scenario ( though there may be one), if coolant is coming from inside an oil filter that has been on a functioning engine.

 

Yeah, I hate to say this, but I agree with the above, it would be really hard for coolant to come from there unless it's dripping from above (examine pipe as mentioned) or it's in the oil. When you look at the oil coming into the pan from the drain plug, did it seem milky in any way? Chocolately? If so, you have a sizable problem, such as a cracked block, blown head gasket, porous block, etc.

 

it probably is the hose, the leak wasn't a small drip or anything, i didn't get to actually see the damage as my shoulder blade got crushed by the tire about a week ago, when it heals enough, ill be able to look under and see what actually happened, the oil only seemed old, there was no sign of coolant in it when i drained it, thanks for the help

 

thanks for the help and the diagram, you've just saved me from a lot of stress, I'll be looking under the car when my shoulder heals enough.

 

Next time have grandpa crush it with a huge pair of pliers.

Mr. Stabby award for Grandpa,

 

I do like that grampa is still out there crushing things and doing car stuff.

 

Yep, grandpa cares and wants to do things with his grandson.

Nothing wrong with improvising with what is available. Many people throughout time have used a screwdriver or whatever.

 

I did the screwdriver technique years ago with a Subaru. I then bought an oil filter wrench but I don't think I ever used it. Any filter I replaced I just tightened very tightly - by hand.