Is it worth it?
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 87
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From: MN
Is it worth it?
My wifes '95 aero has 170000 on it with a cracked head. Anyone have any opinions on whether or not I should fix it? What kind of mileage are you guys getting out of yours. If I can get another 50K, I think it's worth it. Haven't gotten a quote yet but I'm sure it'll be $1500 or so.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
I have 2 spare heads, 60k, but my are still ok, so if the head is not cracked, use it. But it is a bit difficult to replace it in aero.... The doghouse is too small...... Here in Ukraine used cyl. head is $250.... Replacement for me is free... gee....
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wichita
Depends on your needs, cash situation etc.
If by fixing it you mean just repair the head, you could probably get 50K on a head replacement but it probably should get an overhaul. At least examine and freshen the other head - you are already so close.
You could really use a new timing set. Again, you are already nearly there and you will probably get 100K out of it
$1500+ is certainly cheaper than a new car. Have you outgrown the need for an Aero? Do you need a minivan that tows or a people mover? A car would be better on gas and help to recoup the cost.
If by fixing it you mean just repair the head, you could probably get 50K on a head replacement but it probably should get an overhaul. At least examine and freshen the other head - you are already so close.
You could really use a new timing set. Again, you are already nearly there and you will probably get 100K out of it
$1500+ is certainly cheaper than a new car. Have you outgrown the need for an Aero? Do you need a minivan that tows or a people mover? A car would be better on gas and help to recoup the cost.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
As I've understood the head is cracked. May be head is ok, but gasket is bad. Well, what to do? Pressure test must be first to see what head/gasket is bad. 2nd step is to Leave the van in garage, remove TB, injectors and wiering, intake manyfold, unscrew ex. manyfold, unscrew rockers and unscrew and remove cyl.head bolts, if it is the pass side head - remove the alternator, if it is dr-'s side - ps.pump. Yep, weekend will be lost, but you can save money.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
But sometimes you can find used engine so cheap, that it would be cheapper then gasket kits.... Ones I've purchised engine for $300, my friend got 70K 2.8 Turbodiesel for $600 with 5 st tranny from wrecked ford transit.... so what is cheapper is difficult quation.....
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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shop around... i think maybe you can beat the price of 1500 but if the price includes a valve job on both heads that is a fair deal.... but as PablUA suggested have it pressure tested and if you are going to have work done on the heads it is a good idea to replace the timing set.. and you may as well have ALL fluids changed....i have seen a lot of aerostars with over 300.000 miles on them with proper maintenance these things last forever......... GOOD LUCK : )
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
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From: Washington state
are you certain heads are cracked? may only be head gasket....both are common on early 4.0L OHV
good used OEM heads to rebuilt are getting hard to find...haven't been made in 10 years....usually have to buy new aftermarket upgrade heads which are stronger but about $250 each plus valves, grind and rocker arm assemb.s
good used OEM heads to rebuilt are getting hard to find...haven't been made in 10 years....usually have to buy new aftermarket upgrade heads which are stronger but about $250 each plus valves, grind and rocker arm assemb.s
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Senior User
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The machine shop I use here in Memphis introduced me to a guy who rebuilds Ford heads, and he sold me a perfect head for my 3.0 for $100.00. He has a LOT of em. Maybe your local shop can recommend someone to you. As far as doing a head job on these Aerostars, it's really quite easy. Once you remove a couple of things in the way, it's really not that tight in there.
My 94 Aerostar is closing in on 250,000 miles now.
M
My 94 Aerostar is closing in on 250,000 miles now.
M
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 87
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From: MN
Well, she's in the shop. Looks like just head and intake gaskets. Still going to be like $1500. I was really reluctant breaking the motor open(might cause other problems) The mechanic did say she looks good underneath and can't give me a reason not to fix it. Hopefully it'll last awhile, and it's still a heck of a lot better then car payments.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I see we think alike. It only takes six months of payments on a new car to equal the cost of the repair you are having done. The proplem is, you would be making payments for 2 or three years. By the time you are done making payments, it is time to start getting things repaired.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wichita
Originally Posted by fordguy4life
Well, she's in the shop. Looks like just head and intake gaskets. Still going to be like $1500. I was really reluctant breaking the motor open(might cause other problems) The mechanic did say she looks good underneath and can't give me a reason not to fix it. Hopefully it'll last awhile, and it's still a heck of a lot better then car payments.
