I have a 97 3.0 V6, i recently blew a head gasket. What is the easiest way to replace the head gasket?

Thanks

 

Intense, Easy and Aerostar are on two seperate ends of the Earth. On the one hand I must ask you "Are you with mechanical ability/apptitude or have you not really started yet, but are willing to learn?" I bring to the plate the knowledge of being a Jet Engine Mechanic in the Air Force by trade in one hand and the basic knowlegde of auto repair since I was 15 in the other-AND-still I would tell you that this is a bear of a job just because of how jammed in the engine is and how much easier it would be to create just a tad more work for yourself in the long run just to make your nerves stay in tack and remove the engine completely from the bay or the van.

I recommend going to the "Forum" area and clicking on "search." There you will find several peoples opinions on this subject and what they have done. Do this in-order to get a feel of what you are headed for.

In my honest opion-not to disappoint you-I would have a mechanic do this (money providing) and or have a skilled friend work/assist you. If lets say you are skilled at I don't know installing a radio/speaker system in his car you could trade off help. Remember-we all started somewhere and it is just time and patience that you must have on your side before even considering tackling such a behemoth of a job.---Respectfully Boz

 

I've done some mechanic work in past but not an Aero head job so I'll let another respond here. Are you ready to work bent over for 8 hours or more & disassemble the whole top half of the engine?

My '97 4.0 needs it too and I'm hesitant to do it..tho if I get a good shop built it won't be so bad. Hope you have another vehicle to drive for a while.

I've heard the 3.8 Ford V-6 blows gaskets too, but they're tough & you can just take off the heads & put on new gaskets & slap it back together again. This from a fairly decent mechanic. The 3.0 is kin I think to the 3.8.

The 4.0 reportedly needs heads checked for cracks by a machine shop. Proper procedure is to send ANY cylinder heads to the machine shop for a full going-over before putting them back on.

 

Q) I have a 97 3.0 V6, i recently blew a head gasket. What is the easiest way to replace the head gasket?

A) Jack it wayy up & drive a new one under it!

(it maybe more money than you wanna put into the van. I'd guess $500- $750 ??)

 

I C A, another thought is this. How do you know that it IS in fact a blown head/or head gasket that you have? Do the miles you have on the motor dictate this/the opinion of someone that might now or possibly something else? Take your van to a knowledgeable mechanic and have a compression check done of it. There are several other factors that could have occurred that mimic the trouble you are having.

 

I did it twice. You need more time to separate connectors, remove TB, remove intake manyfold and other parts. Then you carefully loosen 6 bolts holding cyl.head on, remove valve puchrods, remove bolts, clean block surface, clean head surface.... Some mechanics use red color sealant to be sure no collant may leak. I did it to, but I dont know was a reason to do it ore no.

You need small torq. wrench to titen bolts well according specification. I advice to ise new bolts.

 

an experienced DIYer can do it for less than $200 if the heads are ok and no worn out parts.
requires two to install and position the heads with a certainty of a clean correct positioning and seal.

do both sides

i personally would aquire another 3L, rebuild it with quality parts and install it if the van is to be kept for several years

no easy quick fix for leaking head gaskets on an Aero. most mechanic shops will charge $1000+ when they see it's an Aero.

 

Head gaskets..

That's what I was wondering 96_4wdr... if it would be better to replace the whole engine with a rebuilt one.

Would you recommend this also for the 4.0l I suppose? Probably more so since I have lifter or some other start up noise & a tapping when running. They must've used Quaker State!

I think I need to find a matching high swirl engine for my '97. I think they began in '95 in the Rangers but with updates every year as usual.

I'd think a '97 Aero, Ranger, Explorer OHV would be the engine I should look for, for my '97 AWD Aero. OBD2 for sure.

 

Here's some help....
http://www3.webng.com/JTHill/

Rebulding the 3.0

Jay