Ford Falcon problem

[Triton II]

Ms Triton owns a 93 EB-II Ford Falcon 4.0L on dual fuel (i.e lpg and petrol). Yesterday she complained it started to run roughly and then it started to steam a bit from the exhaust pipe with a distinct smell of burnt coolant. The temp gauge started to climb but never got near the red sector. We took it to a mechanic who tested the radiator and diagnosed a head gasket leak or a cracked head by doing a "dye test" through the radiator cap. Cost to repair $800-$1600 Australian. Can anyone (i.e possibly Dunarunna) advise if this is reasonable? I know sweet Fanny Adams about Ford 4.0 Litre inline six cylinder engines having been a Holden driver, so any thoughts appreciated!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Can't exactly comment on $$$$$Aus, but that does sound awful high for a 6 cyl head gasket replacement. Also, not familiar with what engines are being used in Aussie Fords these days. Is the 4.0L an OHC or OHV???<br /><br />If it is an OHV, I think you should give it a whirl yourself. A new gasket, a little shaving on the head by your local machine shop and down the road you'd go.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

I know these insideout Mark, I replace 2 or 3 heads/head gaskets a week on falcons. Boom, the 4.0L is a straight six alloy head OHC.<br /><br />Mark. Absolute worsed case senario is a new head, around $1600.00 all up (fitted etc). But that's not common, most of the time it's around the grand mark. The cheapest would be around $800.00 without taking shortcuts - I would not do one for under $800.00. I also give a written 3 year warranty.<br />The estimate you have recieved is reasonable.<br /><br />Make sure that the head bolts are REPLACED, the old ones are junk once they are loosened (common cause of head gaskets re-blowing). If the timing gear is not noisy, don't touch it. You'll just open a can of worms. The radiator will need to be cleaned out, not flushed but tanks removed and rods driven through - you will be shocked at the amount of crud stuck in there. I often find radiator cores that are more than 75% blocked.<br /><br />Ford falcon cooling systems operate very close to their maximum capacity, any little problem tips them over the edge and that usually means a blown head gasket. Other common problem: radiator tanks crack (plastic), the tank 'O' ring seal fails, thermostats cook and fail, timing cover seal & gasket fails and leaks oil all over the front of the engine (yours is leaking, yeah?).<br /><br />Any more questions, throw them this way!!<br /><br />Aldo

 

[jimr]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

man Ford AU has some cool vehicles. I think the price you were quoted is in line if they have head machined gasket/bolt kit and if they replace the timing belt waterpump.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Jim, they got a timing chain, not belt.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

I'm a Ford kind of guy. I'm disappointed that Ford AU has a motor with a tender cylinder head. IMO that is no different than the horrible GM 2.2 OHC 'World Engine".

 

[Triton II]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Thanks for all your input. I rocked up to the repairer this morning. What a mess! Two exhaust valves are so pitted from water ingress I can't believe the thing was still running. The mechanic is going to replace the head gasket with an LPG specific one, new headbolts, recondition the head with new valve guides, valves and springs, replace the HT leads, recore the radiator, replace all cooling hoses, new coolant, change oil and filter and oil cooler seals and he guarantees it'll run like a baby for three years or another 250,000 kms whichever comes first. Bill will be between $1450 and $1600 depending on machine shop charge for head. I've said go ahead on Aldo's advice that it's a reasonable quote. However the guy believes the Ukrainians have dreamt up this marvellous additive called Xado. I have started another thread as I'm a huge skeptic on this sort of stuff... your input appreciated.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Ford 6 cyl heads get hot around #6 pot (airlock problems), most machine shops these days will make a modification to fix this. They drill and tap a hole for a 10mm water fitting, then run a bypass hose up to the thermostat housing bypass teat ('T' inline). It is especially affective for LPG vehicles but also good for gasguzzlers.<br /><br /> - FWIW, NEW rads are cheap, about $160.00. <br /><br /> - Using an L.P.G. head is standard practice these days, the've got hardened valve seats.<br /><br /> - For future reference, look for a shop that work on taxis', they do thousands of these and know their stuff. <br /><br /> - 'Soft' alloy is the biggest problem with these heads, makes it near impossible to tension correctly. A good machine shop will do a 'hardness' test before reconditioning. If it's soft - it's an anchor.<br /><br />I can't find your other thread, I don't know what you are referring too with the 'ukranian xado', is it a coolant additive? EDIT: Found it!!!!<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Any news Triton?

 

[Triton II]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Hi Aldo,<br /><br />Got the car back... $1585 inc GST for reconditioned head (the original got welded and machined but failed the pressure test), new rad, hoses, head bolts, gasket, etc etc. Labour was only $400 total and the car is running well. Fingers crossed that'll stay running well. BTW, didn't do the Xado... guys here seem to agree with me that it's probably 'snake oil'.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford Falcon problem

Thanks Mark, sounds about right.