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Topic: Killed the 5.0 (Read 2415 times) previous topic - next topic

Killed the 5.0

My 5.0 finally died in my thunderbird. Theres a piece that cracked off behind the water pump, and antifreeze poured into the oil pan and it took 30 seconds after starting it up to roast every piece in the engine. I`m so disgusted with the car I may sell it for 500 bux. Is it just me or do 5.0`s crack parts alot? The heads cracked years ago and now the block cracked in the worst place possible. I`m considering dumping an old 289 in it with 5.0 injection if thats possible, Until I build the 331 stroker. I was finishing the car up and was getting it ready for it`s maiden run, it`s been 4 years since we drove it. Things look better though, I`m getting a free 68 cougar with a 302 for fixing another car for a friend. Needs a new engine too but the heads and cam are good on it. I named my tbird the fish tank, cause its full to the top with water. lmao. Thing sounded like a tractor with a diesel engine when it went. Anybody have this problem with 5.0`s? Or is this just bad luck? I didnt sleep friday or saturday working on it.
Children of Bodom!!!

Killed the 5.0

Reply #1
um I've NEVER killed a 5.0L and trust, hell ask anybody here...  I drive my cars HARD...  hell I drove all the way to CJ and wasn't affriad to do a burnout for the camera's, then drive all the way home...

You must neglect your motors...  the 5.0L is one of the most reliable, and durable motors ever built...

Killed the 5.0

Reply #2
I never beat on this engine before. I`ve never actually driven it much, just a few times around the nieghborhood. Some how it got a nice crack in it again for a second time for no reason at all. It`s a massacre in my garage lol. every mechanic tells me the 5.0 doesnt ever blow gaskets the crack the block or heads.
Children of Bodom!!!

Killed the 5.0

Reply #3
never heard of cracking heads, (unless you neglect to check the anitfreeze and over heat it a few times)  hell I even forgot to put antifreeze in my '85 cougars 5.0L once and froze the block up...  over heated BIG time!...  once it cooled down and thawed out..... (I know that doesn't make much sense, but thats what happened) I drove it back home and added some antifreeze...  no more problems.

The 5.0L will split the block with too much power, (above 500hp and 6500rpms)  but never heard of that with a stock SO motor.

So, where abouts are you?  I might be intrested in your car, got pics of it and the damage?

Killed the 5.0

Reply #4
I`m in saint peters missouri off birdie hills and mexico road. I`ll take pics in a little bit. I Cant even bare to look at this turd anymore. I havent decided to sell it just yet, it`s a sentimental car that me and my bro built since I was 17 and it was my first v8 ever. I need to make sure I`m getting that 68 cougar first though otherwise I have no wheels that can be fixed. Heres the cardomain my brother made 2 years ago. It doesnot look that good anymore though. Half of it is grey primer and the interior is torn out of it. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/339031
Children of Bodom!!!

Killed the 5.0

Reply #5
I've owned a 5.0 with a cracked block before. It was just an ever-so-slight crack that would probably show up nicely with a Magnaflux but that you couldn't see or feel with the naked eye. The crack resulted in temperature fluctuations. It's very possible that this motor in question was repeatedly overheated then cooled many, many times before you got it. That could explain the crack. It's also possible that someone changed the water pump and either overtightened one of the bolts, or broke off a bolt and tried to drill it out, something like that. What you've experienced isn't common but it's not uncommon either.

Killed the 5.0

Reply #6
Just drop another engine in it and call it good.No big deal.If the car has thew sentimental value that you say it does,it's a no-brainer.New engine,enjoy the car.Now,get that engine pulled out and get busy.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Killed the 5.0

Reply #7
ok heres my pos.
Children of Bodom!!!

Killed the 5.0

Reply #8
I never had a block or head crack but I did burn one up running high speeds for several hours every day for about 4 days straight. The motor did have high milage and was never pushed before.

 

Killed the 5.0

Reply #9
Yea I`m just sick of it at the moment. I dont think I`ll sell it but I`m in a huge pich right now and need a new car that runs. sank my bottom dollar in the tbird just getting it ready. Sorry I`m really annoyed right lol.
Children of Bodom!!!

Killed the 5.0

Reply #10
you just have a minor glitch.  A fresh block, and rebuild kit will take care of it.  Gezz, its not like the body is a pos, looks like a good car to me.

Killed the 5.0

Reply #11
Looks like a good days worth of work to make that thing road worthy.  Sack up, get a used short block and get to work.

Killed the 5.0

Reply #12
Well what did you do to it?  They don't just crack sitting there?
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Killed the 5.0

Reply #13
dont give up. You'll have it up and running in no time. But if you need to sit down or walk away do so. I've been there many times.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Killed the 5.0

Reply #14
I can't tell from the pics but are you sure the timing cover didn't crack and not the block?
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.