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Topic: Heads - Porisity Problems (Read 701 times) previous topic - next topic

Heads - Porisity Problems

1984, 3.8L, Cougar
Driver Side heads

Engine rebuilt. 

After rebuild, coolant still appeared to be leaking from head gasket. 
Heads pulled again (Felpro MLS head gaskets used this time along with new bolts
 -- note block and head both have RA < 30)

Coolant now appears to be leaking (seeping) from behind lower head bolts.

Anyone had any problems with Porosity or cracks with 3.8L heads?
If so where?

Heads - Porisity Problems

Reply #1
those heads are famous for warping. Did you also replace the lower intake gasket?
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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.
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Heads - Porisity Problems

Reply #2
Hey porosity DOES happen sometimes. I used to have problems when I machined knuckles for John Deere tractors. Their foundry sucks!

Heads - Porisity Problems

Reply #3
Haystack -- Yes

86XR7Project - I know it can, the question is did Ford have a foundry problem with these head in the early years since that was when the switchover to alumium first occurred -- as I recall.

=============== 

This seems to show up shortly after rebuilt (<500 miles).  Pressure testing cooling system cold, with leak evidence showing, system holds pressure, and no leaks.

What I can put together Seems to be during the run (heat cycle) that it is leaking.  Head both pressure tested and magfluxed so only thing left (???) is porosity?

Heads - Porisity Problems

Reply #4
Well all Foundry's have porosity problems. The real question is, is that whats wrong with your head. It doesn't sound like porosity to me. Thats my 2 cents.

Heads - Porisity Problems

Reply #5
I'm not sure what you mean bye leaking behind at the lower head bolts? Behind the the bolt heads? Did you use sealer on the head bolts?
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Heads - Porisity Problems

Reply #6
86XR7Pproject

Quote
Well all Foundry's have porosity problems. The real question is, is that whats wrong with your head. It doesn't sound like porosity to me. Thats my 2 cents.

I know from reading that getting all hydrogen out during casting is critical.
Thanks for your 2 cents

========================
Kitz Kat

Quote
I'm not sure what you mean bye leaking behind at the lower head bolts? Behind the the bolt heads? Did you use sealer on the head bolts?

Yes, it appears to be coming from behind the lower bolt heads, and yes sealer was used.