85 Cougar Not Running Reply #15 – January 27, 2012, 12:51:30 PM Quote from: dw85745;379005EricCoolCats: You sure those were NEW castings? When talked to Clearwater about two years ago, they said only thing they ever had for the 84 (3.8L) was reworked heads. I just got off the phone with Clearwater...The castings for my 85' (3.8L) are fully tested re-worked castings that come with a 2 year warranty. $155 each. $30 ground shipping each. Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #16 – January 27, 2012, 12:57:20 PM I think I'm just gonna put the money into the car. Still unsure if the problem is the head gasket or if there is a cracked head. I haven't been able to get a hold of the mechanic to see if he did a leak-down test...Hopefully, that will give me some more info to work with...As much as I'd like too, at this point I don't think I want to swap the engine. Mainly due to the cost of doing so compared to fixing the problem on the 3.8L. Appreciate all the feedback! Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #17 – January 27, 2012, 12:58:53 PM My castings were Hecho en Mexico and were brand new looking. Could have been reworked. It doesn't really matter...that's the closest we'll get to new heads anyhow. I see the pricing went up a bit since I got mine in '07; they're still relatively inexpensive in comparison. Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #18 – January 27, 2012, 12:59:27 PM orlosz:Suggest you read me edited post right above your last two posts before committing. Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #19 – January 27, 2012, 02:26:09 PM A head swap really isn't that involved on the 83-87 v-6's. A basic $30 tool set from harbor freight would get you probably all the tools you would need to complete it. If you have worked on cars, its a 3 hour job. Get some buddies and a $12 pack and get it done. Personally though, I like the v-8, even in stock form better. I would swap it if it were me, but your car looks great, and nothing wrong with keeping the 3.8 either. Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #20 – January 27, 2012, 06:13:50 PM Glad too see you're gonna fix it. It is in nice shape and probably worth saving. Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #21 – January 27, 2012, 09:16:45 PM Its not that I don't want the OP to save his 85, just based on his original post, I'm gathering he is fairly young, doesn't have a lot of money to waste. Doing the heads may solve his problem. But for arguement sake, lets say the coolant leaked inside the engine. Now we have a potential bearing issue.Don't know how long vehicle has sat, before he got it, so maybe some "potential" rusted tank issues, and possible need for a new fuel pump.If OP can't do it himself, then costs go up. I think he's looking at just putting $1000 into the heads (heads + mechanic) and then NO other problemsMay work, but not likely. That's why they call FORD -- Fix Or Repair Daily.I rather see him take his $300, go to local community college, learn something about autos, then he can fix it himself and anything else that might go wrong. Quote Selected
85 Cougar Not Running Reply #22 – February 21, 2012, 11:18:30 PM Minus the torque wrench and 1/2 inch breaker bar. but yeah, I'm agreeing with eric and haystack, do the heads. Quote Selected
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