'94 Explorer head gasket?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Allison Park USA
'94 Explorer head gasket?
Got 160,000 miles on her and the mechanic says it needs a new head gasket. He went on to say something about having to remove part of the firewall? He said it's leaking from the rear.
With that many miles on her he said it might be cheaper to buy & install a used engine?
Any comments?
He's not a Ford mechanic.
With that many miles on her he said it might be cheaper to buy & install a used engine?
Any comments?
He's not a Ford mechanic.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
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From: Baltimore
I wouldn't consider putting another motor in for a bad head gasket. You need to decide if you pull the head, will you pull both and have the heads reworked, or try and get away with just putting the one gasket on. You shouldn't have to remove any part of the firewall. I'd consider taking it to another mechanic for an estimate. If you do have the heads completely done, figure about $1500-2000 for the entire job. You need to decide if you want to invest that much money. Is the transmission original, and is it good shape That's an expensive weak point in the Gen I Explorers.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: CANADA
if its leaking from the rear it could also be the drain for the heater core. R U sure its the head gasket. Just because someone else says it doesnt mean its true. And if he has to take apart the firewall to take a head off than your definitly dealing with a mikey mouse mechanic and I would walk away
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I agree with the other posters. Get a second opinion. How many times have I seen mechanics play the "needs a new head gasket" card. The firewall?!? Does he need to access the heads through the glovebox? lol
What were the symptoms that led you to take it to a mechanic? Noise, fluid loss, smoke, performance issues?? The FTE may be able to narrow this thing down. If and when you need to make a decision on major repair the FTE can help you there too (heads vs. motor). Are you a "do-it-yourselfer"? Have you done any mechanical work before? I'm a sales guy, I sit around getting fat all day. I have soft girlie hands but I started working on cars last year as a "manly" hobby. I have done major mechanical repairs including engine swaps. If I can do it anyone can!!
The transmission is an important consideration. If yours has been rebuilt and is stable you'll want to hold on to it!!
Let us know!
What were the symptoms that led you to take it to a mechanic? Noise, fluid loss, smoke, performance issues?? The FTE may be able to narrow this thing down. If and when you need to make a decision on major repair the FTE can help you there too (heads vs. motor). Are you a "do-it-yourselfer"? Have you done any mechanical work before? I'm a sales guy, I sit around getting fat all day. I have soft girlie hands but I started working on cars last year as a "manly" hobby. I have done major mechanical repairs including engine swaps. If I can do it anyone can!!
The transmission is an important consideration. If yours has been rebuilt and is stable you'll want to hold on to it!!
Let us know!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Allison Park USA
Symptoms? Coolant leaking down to the ground over the tranny. This was a few weeks ago, just before the temp & weather changed for the worse.
Wrenching? I'm a little familiar with it:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/themoneypit/
but I prefer not to do it in 10° temp.
Wrenching? I'm a little familiar with it:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/themoneypit/
but I prefer not to do it in 10° temp.
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I hear that. I had to get under my rig last weekend due to a 4x4 motor issue. Damn cold and uncomfortable.
Keep us posted on the feedback you get from the FORD dealer. If it is a head gasket then FTE can debate the merits of motor swap vs. gasket replacement!
Good looking Vette.
Keep us posted on the feedback you get from the FORD dealer. If it is a head gasket then FTE can debate the merits of motor swap vs. gasket replacement!
Good looking Vette.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Allison Park USA
Just got off the phone with the dealer. He can't say for sure where the coolant is leaking. He said the only way to be certain is to remove the tranny. Could be a freeze plug or a cracked block. How much I asked to remove the tranny? About $500.
Ain't gonna happen.
Ain't gonna happen.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 148
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From: CANADA
well if thats where the water is comming out of i would bet freeze plug, Happened to my aerostar at christmas couple years back. My mechanic friend put on a vacume pump for the rad, pumped up the pressure and sure enough the water was comming out between the block and the tranny. sure enough freeze plug. and fords are prone for acid antifreeze so a bad plug could be the culprit
good luck
good luck
