Blown head gaskets

[sho_dwn]

My 91 Plus has blown head gaskets. That problem in itself isn't a big problem, but when I pulled the heads and saw this metallic sludge in the water passages I started to wonder if it is worth fixing. I am getting ready to pull the pan and look at the bearings. If I replace the bearings and flush the engine, should the motor last? I can't afford a new short block, so I will part the car if it isn't worth fixing. It would be a same to since the rest of the car is in great shape. Thanks for your responces and opinions in advance.

Alan

 

[ret]

My opinion is it's worth fixing even if you need a new block. A new block costs no more than a decent used car and will have 0 miles on it, you know it hasn't been abused, etc. Hopefully it won't need that though, although I couldn't tell ya either way.

 

[jcostantino]

You should be able to find a motor for $500-900 depending on the miles.. I've seen brand new crate engines for something like $1300 or 2000 (forget exactally how much but they do exist).

If you have a blown head gasket, according to Ford you need new heads because they can't be shaved. Some on the forum have cut theirs down without problems, I guess it all depends on how badly warped they are.

You could also have a crack in a head but it sounds like you have a blown gasket.

When I had a blown gasket, it was a VERY tiny leak but the bill ended up being about $1000+ (warranty company picked it up, thankfully). They replaced a BUNCH of unnecessary stuff (head bolts, for example)

Jeff

 

[sho_dwn]

If it makes you feel any better, everywhere I have read says to change the head bolts when you do the gaskets. I looked at the heads and didn't see any cracks. I guess manafluxing is the only way to know for sure.

Alan

 

[fredhurderjr]

I have been told both ways - head bolts are fine to reuse, and head bolts are torque-to-yield (they stretch, and are single-use).

I use new bolts, just in case. yes, it's expensive at $90 per set of bolts, but I'd hate to do a head swap twice (especially the rear)!

Plus you have gaskets to think of. 3.0L head gaskets are harder to come by since the Upper Gasket Set prices went up. Josh has a great price on the 3.2L gasket sets, but you need the 3.0 set, or trade out the head gaskets from someone who didn't need them.

Parts for Parts, you may find a used 3.0L engine for about what the parts for the head gasket swap alone would run you.

 

[luigisho]

Put it in storage and do a 3.2 swap when you get back. wink

 

[jcostantino]

3.0/3.2 bolts are not torque to yield. The 3.4 bolts are... Of course, if you wanna spend $120 in V6 head bolts, you can

Jeff

 

[sho_dwn]

I will keep you guys posted on what I decide to do , costs, etc.

Alan

 

[sho_dwn]

Got the heads off. Both head gaskets are shot. I'm taking the heads in today to check for warpage. If they're not warped I am going to clean the heads and flush out the engine (and radiator) and check the bearings. I took pictures of the engine torn apart so when I get them scanned I will post them.

Alan

 

[sho_dwn]

Got the heads back and they are straight with no signs of warpage or cracks. I got one cleaned up and ready to go on but I have to get a new torque wrench first. I am going to do the other head tomorrow and get them torqued down back on the block. Hopefully I can get the car ready to go in a few weeks (going out of town all next week).