3.8 Headgasket question

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Jun 5, 2011 | 08:50 PM

Econoline 150

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3.8 Headgasket question

Im looking at a 86 LTD (3.8) with a blown headgasket.
Is it me or are these 3.8s the most headgasket blowin sun-of-a-guns out there ?
Anyway, are the heads crack prone and what headgasket would anyone recomend ? Im sure you have to replace the headbolts while youre at it.
Other then gasket issues are these engines worth a darn ?

Jun 6, 2011 | 09:06 AM

Scndsin

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From: Central Mississippi

My late Mom's 92 Taurus blew a HG early in her ownership & was repaired by dealer (gasket only). We drove it all over for a number of years till it was sold in 02 to a family friend who has it still with 150k on the clock. Still with one orig & one replaced gasket & both orig heads.

It was and still is a really stong v-6. I'm sure Fel-Pro gaskets would do just fine & would address any inherent issues the originals had. I know World Products were making stock replacement heads for the 3.8 that were suppose to address design issues.

You might just look for a later production J/Y engine to swap in.

Hope this helps, & maybe someone else will chime in with better info.

Jun 6, 2011 | 11:12 AM

BrianA

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From: Trussville, Alabama

They are pretty good motors but I do think there has been a load of head gasket failures.
I am not certain, but I think the OEM gasket was aluminum.
I imagine (as mentioned above) there are good aftermarket options available.

Jun 7, 2011 | 09:16 AM

Kruse

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Kansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Econoline 150

Is it me or are these 3.8s the most headgasket blowin sun-of-a-guns out there ?
Anyway, are the heads crack prone and what headgasket would anyone recomend ? Im sure you have to replace the headbolts while youre at it.
Other then gasket issues are these engines worth a darn ?

I've done several and I'm currently assembling a 3.8 engine for my daughter's '95 Mustang. IMO, yes, they have a reputation for problems. I don't think the heads have a higher than average tendency to crack IF the car is immediately shut down and fixed instead of driven for a long distance while overheating. I always use Fel-Pro replacements, but I've used Ford replacements when I worked at a dealer. New head bolts are a must. The torque sequence, especially with the long and short bolts, can be a PITA and you have to pay attention when doing one. From what I've seen, the 3.8 is an excellent engine after the repair is done. I would rate this job as doable for an average shade-tree mechanic.