cracked head vs new engine
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25
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From: University Place USA
cracked head vs new engine
Hi
I have a 91 Ford EXP 4.0 It looks like I may have cracked a head or two as I'm going through a gallon of coolant every few days. Would be it less expensive to replace the engine or have the heads replaced?
Thanks
I have a 91 Ford EXP 4.0 It looks like I may have cracked a head or two as I'm going through a gallon of coolant every few days. Would be it less expensive to replace the engine or have the heads replaced?
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
I had my heads done on my 91 2 years ago. New heads(not rebuilt), and all new water lines...$1700. What makes you think the head(s) are cracked? Did it overheat real bad? Could just be a head gasket. In addition to from the mileage, what's the status of the body and the transmission?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25
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From: University Place USA
Marragtop
Couple of things lead to me call it a cracked head
We had a real bad cold snap in January this year and it's been using more and more coolant since then.
I've looked around the engine and cannot see a leak anywhere so I'm guessing it's leaving through the engine, and it's going through about a gallon/full radiator every two-three days.
I did have the upper and lower intake manifold repaired this year and in the process of discovering it was the upper-lower manifolds I replaced the radiator, all the hoses and the heater core. I am wondering if the shop didn't do too hot off a job when they replaced the manifolds, but I'm guessing then I would be seeing some leakage outside of the engine wouldn't I?
Body is in pretty good shap, no accidents and in need of some paint touch ups. Tranny is holding up and clutch was replaced two years ago. Synchros are starting to go as a result of a TSB that was never completed on the tranny.
Couple of things lead to me call it a cracked head
We had a real bad cold snap in January this year and it's been using more and more coolant since then.
I've looked around the engine and cannot see a leak anywhere so I'm guessing it's leaving through the engine, and it's going through about a gallon/full radiator every two-three days.
I did have the upper and lower intake manifold repaired this year and in the process of discovering it was the upper-lower manifolds I replaced the radiator, all the hoses and the heater core. I am wondering if the shop didn't do too hot off a job when they replaced the manifolds, but I'm guessing then I would be seeing some leakage outside of the engine wouldn't I?
Body is in pretty good shap, no accidents and in need of some paint touch ups. Tranny is holding up and clutch was replaced two years ago. Synchros are starting to go as a result of a TSB that was never completed on the tranny.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 895
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From: Tampa
I'd really look at a new motor. The cost of doing the heads and not having a good thoughts about the bottem end with 180,000 miles on it, thats a big chance that the bottem would not hold up to long. I'd go with a new motor or a rebiuld. Hey if the body is in good shape and you still like the body. I'd do the trans. and motor and keep on driving it. Think no truck payments.LOL
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 383
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From: southeast,usa
Hmmmmm.....seems to me that if you were running that much coolant through the engine you'd be putting out a pretty good fog at the tail pipe. Check the freeze plugs. They're old enough to start leaking and when hot often they just let out steam......so no water trail. That being said, the junkyards are full of wrecked first generation Explorers, Aerostars and Rangers, with the right engine. Pressure test the coolant system to look for leaks, if needed pull the heads, check for cracks, and change the gaskets. If you've been good with oil changes and don't have water in the oil these engines can run a LONG time. These old buggys don't bring a lot of money any more so I'd do whatever I could to keep from sinking big bucks into it. but that's just my opinion 
..........best of luck....mike
..........best of luck....mike
