I usually loiter on the '48-'60 site but my Father has a problem with his Windstar. Driving down the highway the engine "spits" and goes dead. I trailered the van to his mechanic who quickly assessed it to be a blown head gasket. There is no oil in the water ( or water in the oil) The engine spins over, but almost sounds like there is no compression. I know nothing about this engine (3.8 liter) but I'm wondering if the problem was diagnosed right. Dad is 87 years young and he just bought another vehicle, so the van is now in my yard! Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated. Everything on this van is in top shape and it has 4 new tires so I hate to take the junkyard offer of $200 to take it off my hands. Thanks in advance, Steve

 

Steve,

1st ?? = how did mechanic diagnose blown head gasket?
Compression test? or a "sounds to me like..." diagnosis?

Maybe broken rocker arm(s)?

How many miles on it?
Will it start and run - at all?
Will it fire and try to start and run?

Any other info?

I'd sure dig a little deeper before I trashed it.

 

3.8s are famous for blown head gaskets and, iirc, cracked intakes.

Is the condition of this steaming pile such that it would draw more in a quick sale than the cost of repairs? That would determine the next step.

 

Double check that a valve train is working. A car with a bad timing chain will sound different. If the valve train is moving, check compression.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I am currently at work (14 on, 14 off schedule in the Gulf of Mexico) but I will use each of your suggestions to try and determine what's going on. Didn't get to check on it at all last hitch home due to enjoying kids & grandkids home for Christmas. My initial hunch was that it had jumped time but the mechanic told me this engine has a timing chain and not a belt and he felt it was head gaskets. He said this was a prevalent weakness on this particular engine. I'm "shadetree" at best but I hope to dedicate enough time next hitch home to disprove his "feeling". Thanks again for the input! Steve

 

Stay in touch with us Steve.
We will try and help, best we can.

 

Thanks again! I go home (from offshore) on the 13th. Hopefully I can dedicate the time to troubleshoot on my 14 days off. Trying to finish up the bodywork on my '54 F-100 and get it to the painter. It's too cold for South Mississippi!! Steve