Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

Topic: Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue? (Read 1435 times) previous topic - next topic

Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

April 06, 2005, 11:32:10 PM

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_mustang.htm

Re: Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

Reply #1 – April 06, 2005, 11:39:05 PM

Shhh.. I'm starting to see a little bit of white smoke outta my '86. :p

Re: Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

Reply #2 – April 06, 2005, 11:41:03 PM

the issue will never truly be fixed, the issue has been reduced, since they decided to use better headgaskets, and revice the head design, but you cant polish a turd, you can smooth it out, but itll never be shiny

Re: Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

Reply #3 – April 06, 2005, 11:44:43 PM

Quote from: Tbird232ci

you cant polish a turd, you can smooth it out, but itll never be shiny

What about chrome plating?.....

wow, i need sleep!!

Re: Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

Reply #4 – April 07, 2005, 07:28:28 PM

The fix is to replace the headgaskets with Felpro or equivalent, surface the heads, and install new head bolts. Mine never did blow the head gaskets in my 88 3.8, but I know the earlier ones were notorious for it. The earlier heads were also pr0ne to crack very easily, Ive pressure tested many a cracked early 3.8 heads. They crack where the machining above the deck surface, right below the exhaust ports. The redesigned heads have a radius machined into the head so they did not crack. So if you do have a blown head gasket, make sure you first have them pressure tested, then surfaced atleast, if not a valve job. Later

Ronnie

Re: Did they EVER fix the 3.8 Head gasket issue?

Reply #5 – April 09, 2005, 12:09:26 PM

Since my old block last nearly 300xxx miles and died first by the head gasket problem (and definitively for oil pressure problem), i guess that the blown head gasket problem are more frecuently at the earlier models ?

Mmm, the F-150 has a 4.2........time to save some money....

Are better the old blocks 3.8 or the newer ones ?