Head Gasket
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Freshman User
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Head Gasket
I have a 1996 Bronco with a 5.8L and 247,000 miles on it. It hasn't been running too well lately and I noticed the reason why was because I blew a head gasket. It is currently in my garage with the heads off. My question is since the engine is apart right now what do you suggest I do to keep it running for a lot longer. I was thinking about having the heads rebuilt but I'm not sure what all is involved in that and if I would be able to do it myself. Is there anything else I should be looking at before putting it all back together.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: GOING BACK TO TEXAS!!!
rebuilding heads is not something that the typical "back yard" mechanic can accomplish in his house. If you are going to take it somewhere, go aheand and pull all of the valves out, keeping the springs in order. New valves will be in order, and when you get the heads back, insert the new valves. A shop will be able to hone the valve seats, and that is about the only way it can be done. New heads are nice, but those of us on a budget typically reuse. When you reassemble, make sure that you torque everything to the correct specs. Renew any vaccuum tubes that you find are brittle (you will thank me later). Replace all of the fluids in the engine and she will be like new. If you didn't already have the heads off, I'd say to do a "leak down" test to check your rings. If you use the search feature and look for "checking rings", you will get better info than I can give you.
Have fun, and take pictures. I wish I did afterword.
Have fun, and take pictures. I wish I did afterword.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
Timmy has the right idea but don't neglect the bottom of the motor. If you have the heads redone and you regain the compression in the top of the motor by replacing and re-seating valves, but the rings etc. still have 200K + on them, its pretty much a guarantee that you will blow the rings apart shortly after you put it back together and drive it a few miles. You might want to consider taking the precaution rather than having to take it apart AGAIN. Just a heads up.
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You guys bring up some good points. I started this project thinking it would be a cheap fix to just buy some gaskets and get it running again. But the project is slowly turning into a complete rebuild. My dilema is that I am on a budget and am not sure if I can afford to get the bottom end of the motor rebuilt. Also it is going to start snowing here soon and I would really like to get it back on the road. On the other hand if I am going to do all this work I might as well do it right so it continues running for another 247,000 miles. I think I am definitely going to take the heads to an engine shop to get them rebuilt. As far as the bottom end goes we'll see. And I will definitely take some pictures. Thats a great idea. Thanks guys.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Honestly... I my opinion I wouldn't do anything but replace the head gaskets on that motor.. considering it's milage, no headwork or anything as long as the valves don't show any obvious signs of wear or damage. If it's not burning excessive oil it should last quite a bit longer, and that gives you time to find another core and rebuild it right.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: GOING BACK TO TEXAS!!!
I'm with greystreak on this one. Lots of new compression from rebuilt heads and new valves are going to put a toll on 247,000 mile old rings. I don't envy your choice now. The right thing to do is to rebuild the lower motor, but the cost will double or triple. Most engine shops are willing to work with you for payments; they want return customers. Hope it all works out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Yeah, as soon as you start fixing that motor up, something else is going to go soon with that many miles on it. I would either just replace the head gaskets and do nothing else. If you need a motor on a budget, a junkyard would probably be the place to go.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: LA
Honestly... I my opinion I wouldn't do anything but replace the head gaskets on that motor.. considering it's milage, no headwork or anything as long as the valves don't show any obvious signs of wear or damage. If it's not burning excessive oil it should last quite a bit longer, and that gives you time to find another core and rebuild it right.
I would have the heads resurfaced, that's cheap - under $100 for the set - and ensures that they are flat and have a nice sealing surface to work with. I would get some valve lapping compound and hand lap the valves to freshen them up a little. Put a new timing set on it while you are in there and you are on your way.
That's my two cents! Good luck!
George
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Well I've thought a lot about it and unfortunately I just can't afford to rebuild the bottom end of the motor right now. So it looks like I am just going to replace the gaskets and put everything back together. My other car is a mustang so all the Bronco has to do is make it through the winter. Hopefully I can afford to get it done right next spring/summer. Thanks for the advice.
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Sure thing. If I remember I will try to take some tonight. I'm kind of a new user though and I'm not sure how to post pictures. As part of my posting rules it says I can't posts attachments. What should I do.
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