Hello,

I have a 2002 Mule 3010 4x4 Gasoline with 411 hours on it. It was given to me over the weekend since my parents are moving, so I figured I'd do a tune up. I was planning on rebuilding the carb, and when I went to take it apart, the plastic cover that comes from the air filter had about a quart of watered down oil in it. I checked the dipstick and saw that the oil level was way too far above the full mark (about 5 inches) and that the coolant tank was low. I'd say that the coolant tank was about 1/2 quart low from the Full line (I filled it up to get an idea of how much was in the system). Since I am new to this engine, I was hoping I could get pointed in the right direction.

Is it for sure a head gasket issue? I don't mind if it is, but I would like to know if there are other reasons for the coolant in the oil on these older 3010s before I change a perfectly good head gasket. I know that the high temperature light has never came on, if that is any help.

Thanks in advance!

 

That's a lot of water, so don't run it until you get it corrected. What does the oil look like? The head gasket seems to be the logical problem, since I can't think of any other place the water could get into the oil short of a cracked block.

 

thanks for the response. The oil was only slightly lighter, not full on chocolate milk color. Definitely not running it until I get new head gaskets. Anything to watch out for when replacing them?

 

If you are going to replace them look for any damage the the block and head. Also, be sure the follow the torquing sequence shown in the service manual. Of course, you will need to drain and replace the oil. Some folks would say to put new oil in and run it for a few minutes and then drain and replace it. Before doing anything, smell the oil and see if you smell gas. Don't know about the mule, but on some motorcycles if the float needle sticks open fuel will flow past the carb into the engine.

 

So I just smelled the oil, definitely has gas in it. I have already ordered a rebuild kit for the carb. So maybe that’s my issue?

Thanks again for the info!

 

That is probably your problem. I would correct that before messing with the head gaskets. It sure is a lot easier to fix. Again, I'm not sure about the mule, but on my motorcycle carbs it is critical that the float height is correct. So, check the service manual specs for the float height and be sure to get it right. It may even require wet setting the carb off the engine. Wet setting compensates for any variance in the length of after market needles, etc.