'87 2.9 heads. Do they crack?
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From: PNW
'87 2.9 heads. Do they crack?
Yes, the 2.9 heads have a reputation for being prone to crack. Whenever you overheat, it's a good idea to do an inspection for cracks as well as flatness. Check out World Castings for stouter replacement parts if you have a cracked head.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Birmingham US
'87 2.9 heads. Do they crack?
I was a bit concerned over this as well. I got a "steal" on my 86 Ranger 4x4, because the transfer case was bad, but a $100 TC from the bone yard, and a little labor, and she's good to go. I too, had read about the cracked head problem on the 2.9L, and asked a mechanic how I could tell if the engine had a cracked head, he asid, "drive it, and you'll know". I drove it, and everything seems normal. Is there any way you could have a cracked head and not know it? What's the best way to tell, if so?
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'87 2.9 heads. Do they crack?
If the engine uses antifreeze , a cup or more after driving and you have no external leaks.Check it in the morning Also white sludge in the oil or brownw oil slime in the antifreeze. Steam coming out of the oil filler tube. 
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Tulsa US
'87 2.9 heads. Do they crack?
they heads on 2.9s usually crack up on top, not the bottom. I ran into that problem with a set. I had a shop working on my truck, because i had mily oil. They swore that they weren't cracked. When finally got him to mag them, they came back cracked on top, right near a plug hole. He felt a little sheepish after that.......
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