4.6 Expedition - Head problem
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 78
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From: Loganville USA
4.6 Expedition - Head problem
My wife's 2000 Expedition w/ 4.6L v8 has a small hole on the front of the driver's side head, where the Intake mates. It looks like a casting flaw, and now is shooting a stream of anti-freeze once pressure is established.
I would like to get some type of Aluminum epoxy and fix it for now, since it is not a mechanical issue. It would be hard to get to for someone to weld the hole ( heliarc) without taking the head off. With 135000 miles, I realy dont want to tear th etop end off and then rebuild, which would probably cause more problems afterwards.
What type of epoxy would anyone recommend for this type application?
Thanks for the help
I would like to get some type of Aluminum epoxy and fix it for now, since it is not a mechanical issue. It would be hard to get to for someone to weld the hole ( heliarc) without taking the head off. With 135000 miles, I realy dont want to tear th etop end off and then rebuild, which would probably cause more problems afterwards.
What type of epoxy would anyone recommend for this type application?
Thanks for the help
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 543
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From: LA
You need to clean it up really well with a good solvent like brake parts cleaner. Also dry it well. I would use JB weld or any other metal filled epoxy.
That's a real weird problem. Is there a way that you could drill and tap the hole for a plug? Also, are you sure you have no cracked head?
George
That's a real weird problem. Is there a way that you could drill and tap the hole for a plug? Also, are you sure you have no cracked head?
George
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
I've heard of this before. I think Ford has a kit with a sleeve and some epoxy. The sleeve goes inside the head pocket, and the epoxy holds it in place and seals it.
It might not be Ford though... but it's worth a call to the dealer.
art k
It might not be Ford though... but it's worth a call to the dealer.
art k
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 78
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From: Loganville USA
Well, it seems to not have a cracked head. I have checked compression, there is no steam coming out of exhaust, and no antifreeze in the oil. JB Weld did not hold up, but I did go to Advance auto and bought some of the Copper flakes Block Seal. $4.00 and is sealed good for now.
Should hold in time to trade.
Should hold in time to trade.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Repeat: This is a known issue with very few of the modulars. The water flowing through that portion of the head erodes the aluminum and you get a pin-hole.
That's why Ford has a kit for it. Someone here, or on the V10 forum posted about it recently, like in the last few months. But over the last 4 years, I've read about this happening a handful of times.
I would imagine that it's not helped by not changing the coolant enough.
That's why Ford has a kit for it. Someone here, or on the V10 forum posted about it recently, like in the last few months. But over the last 4 years, I've read about this happening a handful of times.
I would imagine that it's not helped by not changing the coolant enough.
