Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Topic: Another 3.8 head gasket question:) (Read 1932 times) previous topic - next topic

Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

February 04, 2005, 12:41:24 PM

Folks, thank you in advance for the help. I have a friend who has a 91 Couger with a 3.8. The head gaskets are out on it again. They purchased the car in 96, replaced the head gaskets the first time in 98 @ 89k. Then in 2000 they had to have them replaced again with 110k on it. The car now has 140k on it and the head gaskets are gone again??? Anyway the mechanic they took it to told them this is a common problem with the 3.8 and they should just hall it off to the junk yard!
The car is in just to good of shape to do that! I've told them I'll help do the gasket job, and get the heads checked to make sure they aren't warped. Is there a certain brand of gaskets that will ensure not having to repeat the job in a few k miles?

Re: Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Reply #1 – February 04, 2005, 02:20:49 PM

what kind of gaskets were used in the replacements

usually, i hear felpro's are great, if you get the expensive felrpo's, i believe they sell 2 of them

either those, of go get the ford ones, they are a thick graphite material, with a more hardcore ring around the combustion chamber

also be sure to replace the headbolts

Re: Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Reply #2 – February 04, 2005, 03:52:17 PM

Not real sure what was used? I read in a search on this forum to always make sure you use new bolts. My friend was quoted between 1,000 and 1,500 dollars to do the work!!!! I think we'll give it a shot. Thanks for the reply.

Re: Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Reply #3 – February 04, 2005, 04:05:14 PM

3 head gaskets in 51k miles reeks of a warped head/block or poor repair techniques.

Re: Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Reply #4 – February 04, 2005, 04:47:25 PM

Jeremy, I agree, I'll get the heads checked when I pull them. They probably got em hot the first time around? I would have thought the repair place would have had them checked the first time, but you never really know I guess.

Re: Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Reply #5 – February 04, 2005, 09:46:54 PM

I'm betting they reused the headbolts and there tourqe readings were way off. If they pull the heads again make sure they send them off and have them checked by a machinest that knows his shiznit. Being aluminum I'm not sure you can magnaflux them or not but I dont see why not.

Re: Another 3.8 head gasket question:)

Reply #6 – February 04, 2005, 10:27:13 PM

they pressure test aluminum heads

the factory headbolts are torque to yeild, basically meaning theyre a 1 time use kind of deal, the shop most likely reused the factory bolts not knowing any better

have the machine shop check for the flatness of the decks, and pressure check them, if they check out fine, it could have been py gaskets and/or the reuse of the headbolts