I'm embarrassed to post this. I have had the car (1998 Z34) for almost two years. Always kept the oil full and changed. It never once overheated on me.

About a month ago, the "low coolant" light came on. I checked the coolant; it was low, so I filled it up. I kept checking it and noticed it was going low a lot, but I never saw any leaks. Before long, I began seeing bubbles in the oil on the dipstick.

Question 1. Is there a way for coolant to get into the engine without the block being cracked?

It never did overheat; the gauge seemed to be working right. I didn't get it checked out. I kept putting in coolant.

Last week, I was driving home at night going about 50 and the car dies (in the left lane). I lost all electrical: turn signals, hazard lights, power steering and brakes. After I pulled over, it would crank, but not start, and the hazard lights still would not work.

I had it towed home. The next morning, the turn signals and hazards were working. I cranked it and it took a while, but it started. It ran for about 30 seconds and died. Now it triers to start, but will not. All of the lights work.

Question 2. Will a bad map sensor keep the car from starting?

I'm at a loss. I don't have a way to check codes. Another tow and a repair will be tough. Any ideas sincerely appreciated.

 

Hello Mechanically Declined


Question 1. Is there a way for coolant to get into the engine without the block being cracked?
Yes, bad head gasket.
Question 2. Will a bad map sensor keep the car from starting?
I do not know the answer to this question but there are a lot of people on the forum with more knowledge than I have about this.

 

Thank you P343! I was afraid I blew the engine or something. I bet it was just the head gasket.

 

You may have blown the head gasket? Question was the car smoking at all during the drive? If the head gasket is blown you will have some water in the Oil and this may cause other issues as well. Do not let the car overheat. I had one blow a head gasket once and it overheated warped the heads and really caused a headache. You should have a reputable Garage check this out.

 

Thanks #3. I will have to get it checked out. I never saw any smoke. I was worried the car was fried. It might be, because of electrical problems, I don't know.

 

The car will start with a bad map sensor, my car started and ran with out it for a few minutes but eventually the pcm will recognize something is missing and force the engine to shut off as a precaution.

 

I drove my car a lot without a map altogether

 

Coolant can leak into the motor via the lower intake manifold gasket as well as a head gasket.

If you had bubbles in the oil, there was likely coolant in there. Hopefully it hasn't spun a bearing.

 

I'd bet the intake gaskets are shot is all as to why loosing coolant and not seeing any leaks.
Far as the car dying and loosing electrical, may sound like a dumb question but have you checked the battery and alternator. These things loose juice and the coil packs no fire it'll shut ya down quick. And or the belt fly off do same lol